The asking price for Cher's Malibu mansion is a cool $45 million.

LA Weekly released their annual people issue, and we were intrigued by their piece on Morihiro Onodera. Formerly the chef/owner of the esteemed Mori Sushi, Onodera abruptly closed his restaurant in 2011 to develop a line of pottery, which will grace the tables of LA’s finest restaurants like Melisse, Providence, and La Botte. [LA Weekly]

Another collaboration we’ve been watching—the Topshop Kate Bosworth Collection—finally released its new lookbook. Expect a desert-inspired shoot of Bosworth modeling California-chic attire. [Racked LA]

Meanwhile, anyone in the market for a new address should consider looking at Cher’s palatial Malibu estate, going for $45 million.The Huffington Post has the scoop on the home, in addition to other covetable celebrity living spaces. [Huffington Post]

Speaking of music legends, Richard Thompson is in town tonight for a rare performance at the Ford Amphitheatre, the perfect location to capture his classic folk sound. [LA Mag]

On the topic of folk music, The Eastsider reports on a rare poster up for auction advertising LA’s first “Love In” at Elysian Park. The starting bid is $500, though the historical significance is predicted to drive the price up. [The Eastsider LA]

Enjoy chef Sven Mede’s new farm-to-table menu paired with oceanfront views at One Pico.

Shutters on the Beach’s fine-dining establishment, One Pico, just received menu makeovers from By the Blue Sea’s restaurant group managing chef, Sven Mede. The restyled offerings reflect Mede’s commitment to seasonal, farmer’s market cuisine, and will continue to be updated in accordance with what’s available from local markets.

Served in One Pico’s stunning beachfront dining room, the light, California cuisine reflects the restaurant’s ocean surroundings. Under the market plates section, diners can find a fresh red Russian kale salad featuring toasted almonds and blood orange vinaigrette, or a cucumber gazpacho with avocado, radish, and croutons. Meanwhile, appetizers focus on seafood, such as an organic salmon crudo, grilled Pacific shrimp, and pan-seared calamari. Mains are also seafood-centric, with some standouts including a cornmeal-crusted local rock fish—though meaty items like a double Kurobata pork chop, and Creekstone Farm New York strip should not be overlooked. 

Mede has also re-imagined the lunch menu, which comprises many of the same market plates, as well as entrée salads like a seared tuna nicoise with arugula, green beans, olives, piquillo peppers, potato, and quail egg. Reservations for both lunch and dinner are recommended by calling the restaurant at 310-587-1717. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica

The Malibu Country Mart plays host to an art show, featuring works by Jane Seymour, this weekend.

Ted Baker 25th Anniversary Soiree
Thursday, May 16, 6-9 pm
Join blogger Devon Rachel as she helps toast Ted Baker’s 25th anniversary at a special in-store event in Beverly Hills, featuring exclusive prices, sweets, cocktails, and giveaways. The celebration coincides with the launch of limited-edition pieces inspired by Baker’s 25 years of international travel. A separate Santa Monica Place event will happen concurrently. 131 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-7855

Before Sunrise/Before Sunset Double Feature
Friday, May 17, 7:30 pm
Film Independent, LACMA, and presenting sponsor The New York Times, are hosting back-to-back screenings of Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and Before Sunset—the cerebral romantic comedies featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. $10 tickets for the double feature are available by calling LACMA at 323-857-6010. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid City

Dominick’s Best-of-the-Bayou Boil
Saturday, May 18, 12-4 pm
Dominick’s chef/N’awlins native Brandon Boudet is set to serve an authentic crawfish boil, which will feature fresh crawfish flown in straight from Louisiana, roast beef po’boys, crawfish boiled artichokes with creole remoulade, and more. The spicy Southern flavors can be paired with a shot of Old New Orleans Spiced Rum, and finished with a refreshing New Orleans Sno Ball. Reservations are recommended by calling the restaurant at 310-652-2335. 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood

The Malibu Fine Art Show
Saturday, May 18, 2-6 pm
This showcase of contemporary artists at The Malibu Country Mart draws talents from across the city—even the silver screen is represented, with actress Jane Seymour displaying vibrant watercolors, oil paintings, and sculptures. The event is presented by the MKL Pop Gallery and will include cocktails by Glass Lantern Mixologists, music by the Clover String Quartet, and an opportunity for art enthusiasts to add to their collections. 3835 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 310-456-7300

Rosewood Tavern's bar offers rare varieties of Scotch whisky.

West Hollywood’s Rosewood Tavern is the perfect place to toast World Whisky Day this Saturday, May 18. Many people come to enjoy the vast selection of craft beers on tap, not even realizing that the bar boasts one of the city’s finest collections of Scotch whisky.

Divided by region, the menu features covetable pours like Glenmorangie Nectar D’or from Highland, or the Bowmore Tempest small-batch release from Islay. Whiskys from the Lowland, Speyside, Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, and Campbeltown regions are also represented, as are a small selection of Japanese varieties, and even Irish whiskey.

Complement your glass with gourmet snacks like garlic-herb fries, tandoori-spiced chicken wings, or horseradish deviled eggs. Or make it a full meal with hearty pub fare like the Rosewood Tavern Burger, which features housemade Thousand Island, cheddar, butter lettuce, tomato, and red onion, served between a pretzel bun. 448 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, 323-944-0980

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Cat’s Cradle, Jane Gottlieb.

 

Prince of the City, Jane Gottlieb.

 

Lawn Bowlers Life Jane Gottlieb.

 

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The UCLA Anderson School of Management will host a private opening reception tonight (May 15) for alumna artist Jane Gottlieb, whose “Dreamscapes” collection will be displayed within the school’s Entrepreneurs Hall for the next ten years. The exhibition comprises 25 pieces featuring Gottlieb’s signature technique of hand-painting dyes onto large-scale cibachrome photographs. The result is a colorful kaleidoscope of dream cars, scenic vistas, and everyday life, transformed by the artist’s hand into vibrant conversation pieces.

Gottlieb, who says UCLA is the place that really inspired her dream of becoming an artist, has long been immersed in the California creative scene. After graduating from UCLA in 1968 with a degree in painting and art history, she worked as an art director for Warner Brothers where she oversaw classic films like Klute and THX-1138. However, it was her playful hand-painted photographs that eventually earned her international acclaim, and led to having her pieces displayed at local places like the Petersen Automotive Museum, Louis Stern Gallery, and the Laguna Art Museum. 110 Westwood Plaza, Westwood, 310-825-6944

Fitz and the Tantrums just released their second album, More Than Just A Dream.

Fitz and the Tantrums is an LA band through and through: they came together in the city in 2008, debuted at Hollywood’s Hotel Café, and played their early shows at venues like Spaceland and the Viper Room. While the band has since earned national acclaim—thanks to their unique indie pop sound and a tour with Maroon 5—they still call Los Angeles home.

With their second album, More Than Just A Dream, released May 7 from Electra records to much acclaim, we were lucky enough to get the chance to chat with vocalist Noelle Scaggs about their latest project and LA music.

What’s special about the music scene in Los Angeles?
NOELLE SCAGGS: There are a ton of places for bands to perform that aren’t just for arena-selling artists. For instance, we have places like the Hotel Café (1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323-461-2040) that really cater to independent singers/songwriters. We have a handful of venues like The Echo (1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 213-413-8200), Satellite Bar (1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323-661-4380), or Bootleg (2220 Beverly Blvd., Westlake, 213-389-3856) that are great for indie bands on the rise.

Then we have places like the House of Blues (8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-848–5100) that are more for traveling acts or the occasional special event, and the midsize historical theaters that book big acts. Bands really tend to take care of one other as far as spreading the word, or adding a band as an opener for their tour that may be smaller in popularity.

What is your favorite LA venue to perform at?
NS: I really enjoy playing at theaters like The Fonda (6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-464-0808), The El Rey (5515 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City West, 323-936-6400), and The Wiltern (3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown, 213-388-1400). These places are really about the music and there is just energy in the history of each space and the artists that have played there—you really feel it when you are on the stage.

What was the inspiration behind the new album?
NS: We wanted to focus on expanding our sound by melding the energy of our live shows into the recorded album. We didn't want to just stick with one formula for our music because we had so many influences that made their appearance on the first album, that are more prominent on this record. I think we have been able to really hone in on the Fitz and the Tantrums sound—the modern meets familiar. 

Who are some of your major musical influences?
NS: I grew up with a lot of soul and disco singers like Aretha and Teena Marie, classic hip-hop artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Brand Nubian, Dilated Peoples, and The Roots. I had a period of metal and classic rock that I was into for a long time with artists like Pink Floyd, Tool, Metallica, Fleetwood Mac…I could go on and on. 

Back to LA—is there a certain neighborhood here that you identify with? 
NS: I love the Eastside of LA. I grew up in South Pasadena so I'm really used to a laid-back, friendly community, a place that you can walk around in. I live in Silver Lake, where there are trees, good places to eat, and little boutiques—and it is pretty central to the rest of the city.  

When you’re not playing, where do you like to hang out?
NS: I enjoy the simple things—going to dinner at a new place outside of my neighborhood or just walking around Los Feliz or Silver Lake and visiting the local bars; maybe catching the occasional show.

Indulge in the chicken tikka masala poutine at Downtown’s newest dining concept.

Father-and-son chef duo Pawan and Nakul Mahendro are re-imagining the traditional gastro-pub with Badmaash, a hip new concept that opened for dinner May 13. Situated on 2nd and Main within the historic Higgins Building, the restaurant combines the flavors of Mumbai street food with familiar pub grub to yield a unique menu.

The introductory offerings prove that the Mahendro’s mashups are inventive, without going overboard. Badmaash’s chicken wings are tandoori spiced and served with whipped yogurt instead of sour cream, while the burgers trade beef for lamb, eschewing traditional toppings for mint-cilantro mayo and jicama slaw. But perhaps the most creative combination comes by way of their chicken tikka masala poutine—a twist on the typical late-night plate that features crispy French fries smothered in cheese and gravy, topped with comforting tomato-based chicken tikka masala.

A Venice-based firm, DEX Studio, is responsible for the colorful atmosphere, which combines Indian traditions with Downtown’s chic, industrial vibe. The restaurant’s showpiece wall features layers of steel and wood painted in the same bright hues often seen in saris, spices, and mandalas, while exposed vents and pipes sit above vibrant posters of Indian films. 108 W. 2nd St., Downtown LA, 213-221-7466

Pasolivo’s main oil collection features blends infused with lime, citrus, lemon, and tangerine, as well as more standard extra virgin varieties.

Everyone knows the Central Coast houses some of California’s best small-batch wineries, but Brian Dirk—the new owner of Pasolivo Olive Oil—hopes to put the region on the map for the brand’s artisanal products as well. Raised sustainably on an expansive ranch in Paso Robles, the olives that form Pasolivo’s products are organically grown, hand picked, and then pressed on the property’s own olive mill. The resulting oils are then blended on site to form the brand’s signature olive oil line ($25-$29), as well as a variety of bath products ($8-$28).

Pasolivo features olive oils infused with flavors ranging from lime to basil to tangerine, as well as exclusive extra virgin and kitchen blends. Complete any dish with the brand’s specialty salts, spices, vinegars, and of course, the olives themselves, or take advantage of olive oil’s endless beauty benefits with their soaps, lotions, and lip balm. The company has also teamed up with local purveyors to offer artisan gourmet treats like olive jam, jalapeno mustard, and citrus blossom honey.

When Dirk came on as owner in October 2012, the ranch started a major overhaul, with renovations planned for the tasting room and grounds to heighten the visitor experience. Meanwhile, the olive oils have continued to thrive, recently taking home gold medal honors at the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. Tastings and tours are offered daily to visitors from 11 am-5 pm, while products are available online at pasolivo.com. 8530 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles, 805-227-0186

FROM LEFT: Christopher Maltman transforms into Count Almaviva with this costume by couturier Azzedine Alaïa. Dorothea Röschmann will wear this design as Countess Almaviva, also from Alaïa.

LA Philharmonic premieres Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famed opera, The Marriage of Figaro, on May 17 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, with productions continuing May 19, 23, and 25. This is the second installment in a series of three operas that feature collaborations between librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte and Mozart, all of which boast set and costume designs by some of the world’s most renowned architects and fashion designers.

The trilogy began with Don Giovanni in May 2012 with Frank Gehry and Rodarte headlining the design scheme, and will conclude in May of next year with Così fan tutte. Couture designer Azzedine Alaïa and architect Jean Nouvel take the reigns as costume and set designer, respectively, for this piece.

The Marriage of Figaro’s all-star cast includes Christopher Maltman as Count Almaviva, Dorothea Röschmann as the Countess Almaviva, and Edwin Crossley-Mercer as Figaro, with director Christopher Alden and LA Phil conductor Gustovo Dudamel working behind the scenes. But perhaps the most noteworthy thing about The Marriage of Figaro is that it proves that not all operas have to be tearjerkers—unless you laugh until you cry. 

This particular production coincides with the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in LA arts initiative, and will feature an in-depth conversation with Nouvel and Alaïa on May 18, at 4 pm. Led by LA Phil President & CEO Deborah Borda, the conversation will take place on the set within Walt Disney Concert Hall, and focus on the associations between art, architecture, and the opera hall. Tickets for the production can be purchased on laphil.com; tickets for the conversation are available on laphil.com or by calling 323-850-2000. 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown LA

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The Carter Truesdale Showroom & Interior Design Studio.

 

The Tillett Textiles & T4 Fabrics room at Carter Truesdale.

 

The courtyard of Carter Truesdale.

 

The outdoor area was designed by the landscape architecture firm Doyle Herman Design Associates.

 

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Stars like Sharon Stone, Marcia Cross, and Sela Ward gathered on May 7 to celebrate the launch of the Carter Truesdale Showroom in West Hollywood. Opening event guests were invited to browse the Melrose Avenue storefront, which showcases carefully curated home furnishings and design schemes, while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Michelle and Company.

Business partners Michael Carter and Douglas Truesdale come to the West Coast by way of Boston, where they’ve operated a long-established luxury design practice. With their WeHo space, the duo hopes to put a relaxed, California spin on their sophisticated East Coast aesthetic. The showroom itself mimics that perspective, featuring a muted palette to allow their custom furnishings to really stand out. Outside, shoppers can enjoy an elegant courtyard designed by renowned landscape firm Doyle Herman Associates.

Meanwhile, the studio will serve as the exclusive West Coast representative for Tillett Textiles, a line of vibrant fabrics made popular by tastemakers like Albert Hadley and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. 8748 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-633-4462

See photos from the Carter Truesdale opening event here>>