Coachella Music Festival Guide
What to eat, see, and do at the SoCal music fest.
April 11, 2013
A vintage shot of Coachella headliners the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Watch: It’s no surprise that Coachella’s headlining act, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is one of Los Angeles’ most well-known breakout bands. Be sure to check out for their performance at 10:15 p.m. on April 14 on the main stage, and tune in for other local acts like dance rock group White Arrows (April 12, 12:35 p.m.; Outdoor Theater), the folk band Lord Huron (April 12, 1 p.m.; Mojave Stage), or Father John Misty (April 14, 7:40 p.m.; Gobi Desert Stage). For the full music lineup, see coachella.com/lineup.
Clover Juice will be on the menu at Coachella.
Eat: Although Coachella dining options include everything from the Kogi Food Truck to a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse pop-up, save room for refreshments in both the VIP and GA sections courtesy of an LA trio—The Hudson, The Churchill, and Clover Juice. Expect Clover’s juices like The Quench with watermelon, mint, and lime, as well as heartier entrees such as The Hudson’s smoked jalapeno mac and cheese and The Churchill’s local beet and quinoa salad.
Party at a private home...if you can get an invite.
Party: Coachella events have notoriously difficult door policies, but for those of you lucky enough to be in the know, snag an invite to the DETAILS @ Midnight party on April 12 at 10 p.m. Hosted by Nas, the soiree will be held at a picturesque private residence, where Zen Freeman and DJ Politik will provide the soundtrack, while Hennessy V.S. is set to offer specialty mixed cocktails. If you make it in, be sure to stay until midnight when a special surprise performance is planned.
Cool off at GUESS' pool party.
Daytime Fun: Anyone looking to escape the daytime heat should try to make their way into the annual GUESS Pool Party at a private estate in Palm Springs. During the day on April 13-14, GUESS will showcase their new limited-edition festival collection and eyewear to tastemakers, celebrities, and fashionistas set to the tunes of top DJs and bands. On the evening of April 13, Patron Tequila will team up with the fashion brand for a late-night fête. The event will feature Patron XO Café cocktails served out of a Patron Igloo Bar, an HD photobooth, fashion fortune telling, and more.
Indulge in luxurious post-fest spa treatments.
Recover: After your time at the fun but exhausting festival is over, rejuvenate at the Rancho Las Palmas Spa with one of their CoaCHILLa specials. The chill-out eye treatment—which includes a Clarisonic opal treatment, chilled eye serum, and a cooling gel mask—can be added to any facial, or opt for a full-on detox with one of their signature desert earth detoxifying mud treatments. On April 11-15 and April 18-22, the spa will also offer a selection of refreshing poolside treats like cool cucumber slices, sugar scrubs on ice, chilled watermelon, and infused water selections. For reservations, call the spa at 877-843-7720. 41-100 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage
Photography by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Weekend Recommender: April 11-13
Mignon hosts a wine dinner, Le Fashion Truck stops at the W, and a Culver City block party.
April 11, 2013
Mignon hosts a dinner with Geyerhof Winery this Thursday.
Mignon Wine Dinner
Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m.
Winemaker Ilse Geyerhof of Austrian Geyerhof Winery will be on hand to pour paired selections with a four-course dinner by chef Tim Carey (meal $45, pairings $18) at Downtown’s intimate wine bar, Mignon. Some of the combinations to expect are charcuterie paired with a Gruner Veltliner Rosensteig, and a market salad matched with a Gruner Veltliner Hoher Rein. Reservations are required for both the 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. seatings by emailing mignonwine@gmail.com. 128 E. 6th St., Downtown, 213-489-0131
Le Fashion Truck at the W Westwood
Friday, April 12, 5-7 p.m.
The food truck craze extends to fashion with Le Fashion Truck. Now on every second Friday of the month, shoppers can swing by the W Westwood to browse jewelry, vintage tees, and designer duds housed within LA’s first mobile boutique. Scoop up items from brands like MishMash, Jenny Carle, and SPECTREapparel, and try on merchandise in the truck’s convenient dressing room. Visit lefashiontruck.com for more information on Le Fashion Truck’s future whereabouts. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310-208-8765
Culver City Arts Block Party
Saturday, April 13, 6-9 p.m.
Culver City’s bustling Arts District shows off its chops with a new monthly Block Party/Art Walk, where galleries and businesses will stay open late and offer special incentives to encourage guests to explore the area. Complimentary neighborhood maps will lead visitors down Washington Boulevard to explore participating venues like Muddy Leek Restaurant & Bar, Cognoscenti Coffee, Gramercy York, Honor Fraser, Koplin Del Rio Gallery, and Maxwell Alexander Gallery, among others. 8631 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310-838-2281
Vintage Fashion Show and Tea at Heritage Square Museum
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
A favorite of fashion enthusiasts, this annual event at the Heritage Square Museum explores how men’s and women’s fashions have evolved from the early 14th century to today. This year’s theme specifically examines the reciprocal effect of history on fashion, and promises to hold plenty of inspiration for any Downton Abbey enthusiasts. While exploring the exhibit, guests can indulge in afternoon tea provided by Chado Tea Room. Tickets are $35 and reservations are required by calling the museum at 323-225-2700 ext. 223. 3800 Homer St., Montecito Heights
Photography by Jakob Layman
Q&A: CSI Actor Adam Rodriguez
The star chats about being the ambassador for Chivas Regal’s In the Spirit of Brotherhood.
April 10, 2013
 |
|
| Actor Adam Rodriguez, spokesperson for the Chivas Regal In the Spirit of Brotherhood. |
Adam Rodriguez garnered acclaim in CSI: Miami as beloved forensics expert Eric Delko. The show ended after a ten-year run in May 2012, but not before firmly establishing Rodriguez as the kind of relatable everyman that anyone would want as a friend.
With such an amicable personality, it comes as no surprise that Chivas Regal tapped Rodriguez to be the spokesperson for In the Spirit of Brotherhood, an interactive members-only campaign focused on the brand’s fine Scotch whisky and the spirit of friendship. We had the chance to catch up with Rodriguez to discuss his new gig and what brotherhood means to him. For membership information, visit chivasbrotherhood.com.
What drew you to become the Chivas ambassador?
ADAM RODRIGUEZ: The tenets that Chivas stands for as a brand were things that have always resonated with me—chivalry, honor, brotherhood, the highest quality craftsmanship, and 200 years of delivering on tradition. They're part of the code that I live my life by and therefore something I felt I could truly represent.
What's your favorite way to drink Chivas?
AR: My favorite is the 18-year-old blend on the rocks. This blend is so masterfully crafted that just a few rocks in the glass open up the bouquet and bring out the different notes of fruit, spice, and the slight hints of smoke. If you're a Scotch drinker or want to be, try it, and you'll understand.
The campaign heavily focuses on the spirit of friendship and loyalty. What’s your favorite way to hang out with your friends?
AR: By getting together for drinks, dinner, special occasions, or travel, when possible. As life brings on more and more responsibilities, it's so important to make sure that the time you get to spend with your closest friends counts. So no matter what it is, make it quality time.
What are some of your favorite Los Angeles hangouts?
AR: I've got more than a few favorites but for ambiance and the best service in town, I love having a drink at The Sunset Tower Bar (8358 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-654-7100).
What's next for you?
AR: I have no idea. And that's my favorite part of it all! I love the unknown, it motivates me to get up every day and work hard so I'm always prepared for something great.
Photography by Joey Shaw
LA Phil Presents Brooklyn Festival
Brooklyn’s most exciting musical acts come to Walt Disney Concert Hall.
April 10, 2013
Brooklyn group The Antlers performs at LA Phil's Brooklyn Fest, which starts next week.
From April 16-22, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will celebrate the musical and cultural innovations coming out of Brooklyn with their inaugural Brooklyn Festival. LA Phil will host musicians from both classical and contemporary genres at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to give the West Coast a taste of the recent surge of musical creations coming from the NYC borough.
Classical enthusiasts should opt for tickets to the opening night performance of “Green Umbrella,” conducted by the Brooklyn Philharmonic’s new artistic director Alan Pierson. The show features a lineup of exciting experimental musicians, including selections from Tyondai Braxton’s Central Market album, and the world premiere of Strip Mall, a musical drama short surrounding a gay youth and his troublesome sister (tickets $26-64 on laphil.com). Performances on April 18, 20, and 21 continue the orchestral theme, with works by the jazz-style Copland Organ Symphony, and the debut of Stem, a new piece by composer Ted Hearne (tickets $24-187 on laphil.com).
One of the more interesting collaborations is April 22’s “Planetarium,” a musical experience composed by The National’s Bryce Dessner, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens, and composer Nico Muhly. The performance begins with a string quartet, and then segues to a vocal series performed by Stevens that takes listeners through the galaxy via a giant orb set piece (tickets $50-$95 on laphil.com).
Meanwhile, for anyone who won’t get their indie music fix at Coachella, be sure to snag tickets to a performance by The Antlers and Chairlift, who both make their Walt Disney Concert Hall debut April 19 (tickets $30-$55 on laphil.com). The festival also coincides with off-site programming at the REDCAT, Alex Theatre, and Royce Hall. For a detailed listing of all festival events, check out laphil.com/Brooklyn.
Photography by Shervin Lainez
Jar Hosts Machneyuda Guest Chef Dinner
Suzanne Tracht hosts renowned Jerusalem chefs in honor of Israel’s 65th Independence Day.
April 09, 2013
Suzanne Tracht is opening the kitchen of her renowned chophouse Jar to chefs Assaf Granit and Uri Navon from Machneyuda, one of Jerusalem’s most esteemed market-to-table eateries, this Saturday (April 13). Navon and Granit will prepare a four-course dinner to celebrate Israel’s 65th Independence Day as part of their visit to LA, which was orchestrated by David Siegel, the consul general of Israel. Siegel will help guest-host the evening, which will benefit Ultimate Peace, an innovative program in Israel that brings Jewish and Arab youths together through the sport of ultimate frisbee.
An amuse bouche of sea fish sashimi starts things off, topped with pickled onion, radish, pickled ginger vinaigrette, and crisp Granny Smith apples. The meal continues with other starters like a roasted aubergine alongside tahini yogurt and “musabacha.” Moshiko’s calamari is up next, pairing the sweet flavors of dates, honey, and pomegranate alongside porcini mushrooms, a confit of cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and a burnt aubergine paste.
Creative mains include a choice between shikshukit, which comprises minced beef and lamb in a Mediterranean spice mixture with a tahini and yogurt sauce, or the creatively dubbed crispy childhood dream, a rich dish that features heavy cream and cambozala cheese sauce with a confit of garlic and field mushrooms and an egg yolk in a crispy coating. Dessert is a basbusa, or wet semolina cake, served with tahini ice cream and fresh spring fruit. The entire menu will be paired with wines donated by the Israeli Wine Producers Association.
Granit is well known for winning Israel’s Iron Chef, and for honing his market-to-table style through stints in both London and Rome. Meanwhile, Navon landed at Machneyuda by way of L’Escargot in London. Together with their third partner Yossi Elad, Granit and Navon have received rave reviews for their innovative cuisine and fun dining environment. Their special prix-fixe with Jar is $125 per person, and limited reservations are available from 5:30 p.m. on by calling the restaurant at 323-655-6566. 8225 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood
Red Cross Celebrates Red Tie Affair
The Red Cross hosted their annual gala, which honored the Armed Forces and NCIS this year.
April 08, 2013
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
The 7th Annual American Red Cross Red Tie Affair took place on April 6, 2013 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The decadent evening featured a savory cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Nick Stellino, along with an exclusive auction.
On April 6, 2013, philanthropic guests donned crimson-colored ensembles to celebrate the American Red Cross’ annual Red Tie Affair at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. This year’s event was a salute to the Armed Forces, honoring men and women of the military as well as the cast and producers of NCIS for their continued support of the organization. The evening kicked off with a red carpet that lived up to its name, featuring stunning rouge styles on the likes of Kristy Swanson, Shannon Smadella, Christina Moore, and Missi Pyle, among others. A cocktail/welcome reception was then followed by a gourmet dinner crafted by renowned chef Nick Stellino.
Fox 11 News’ Christine Devine led the evening’s programming, which recognized the cast and producers of NCIS with the Crystal Cross Award for promoting the Red Cross on the show, and for support during Hurricane Sandy. Cast members Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, and David McCallam were on hand to accept the award. Dr. Richard Corlin of St. John’s Health Center was also lauded with the Rick Crocker Spirit of Volunteerism Award. The evening featured an auction with covetable items like a visit to the NCIS set, a guitar autographed by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, a dinner for 10 at FIG Restaurant, a ride along with a Santa Monica Police Department officer, and more. For more information or to donate to the Red Cross, visit redcross.org.
Elisabeth Weinstock's WeHo Boutique
The luxury handbag and housewares designer debuts a standalone store.
April 08, 2013
LA-based designer Elisabeth Weinstock has opened her first namesake brick-and-mortar in West Hollywood, showcasing her stunning accessories and home collections crafted from leather and exotic skins. Weinstock officially fêted the space with an opening celebration April 3, where she was joined by the likes of stylist Cristina Ehrlich, restaurateurs Harry and Peter Morton, and jewelry designers Anita Ko and Kimberly McDonald.
Paying homage to its origins as a 1930s residence, the store adds touches of old Hollywood to Weinstock’s modern design sensibilities. The result is a mix of antique accents like a crystal chandelier, and bright, contemporary elements like a large-scale canvas by artist Brett Hammond.
The space itself is divided into four distinct showrooms, each evoking a different room from a stately home. Women will flock to the “living room,” which houses Weinstock’s collection of housewares and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, and the “boudoir,” an elegant room featuring the designer’s unique jewelry boxes and trademark bag line. Meanwhile, the “man cave” will make any male feel at home with luxury dopp kits, humidors, and even chic boxing gloves. A dining room—perfect for hosting private events and, of course, upscale dinner parties—rounds the store out. 8159 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood, 323-655-3000
'As He Remembered It' at LACMA
A Stephen Prina exhibit on art and architecture is part of ‘Pacific Standard Time Presents.’
April 08, 2013
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has opened an intriguing exhibit by Stephen Prina as part of a larger showcase, The Getty’s “Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A.” Dubbed “Stephen Prina: As He Remembered It,” the exhibition debuted April 7 and explores the complex interplay between memory and history through the lens of modern design and contemporary art.
The inspiration for the piece started in 1980, when Prina spotted a bright pink desk by architect R.M. Schindler in a storefront. Although the desk was originally part of a larger built-in unit, it looked extremely odd when displayed without its counterparts—which intrigued Prina to look back at Schindler’s earlier work. Drawing off plans and photographs from two of Schindler’s 1940s homes that had since fallen to the wrecking ball, Prina recreated the furniture and painted the pieces pink using the “Pantone Honeysuckle 2011 Color of the Year.” The end result is a striking examination of modern design that solidifies the relationship between home furnishings and art.
While the exhibit was both inspired and conceived here in Los Angeles, this installation marks the first time the work will be on view locally. For some in-depth insights into the exhibit, mark your calendar for April 27 (12 pm), when LACMA will host a conversation between LACMA director Michael Govan and Prina, including a screening of the artist’s film, The Way He Always Wanted It II. Prina will also debut a score performed by six musicians to complement the exhibit on June 22. For more information or to buy tickets for special events, visit lacma.org. “As He Remembered It” is on view through August 4. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City, 323-857-6000
See more on The Getty's "Pacific Standard Time Presents" here>>
Photography © 2013 Museum Associates/LACMA; © Stephen Prina; courtesy Galerie Gisela Capitain, Cologne, and Petzel Gallery, New York
What We’re Reading
Roger Ebert passes, Michael Voltaggio a best new chef, a different novel about Hollywood.
April 05, 2013
Acclaimed film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert during the 'Review' skit on Saturday Night Live, 1982.
Congratulations to local chef Michael Voltaggio of ink. and ink.sack, who was named one of Food & Wine’s best new chefs. [Food & Wine]
In other foodie news, three other area toques of note—Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook, and Vinny Dotolo—opened their highly anticipated new venture Trois Mec this week. Eater LA has a sneak peek at the menu and some initial thoughts. [Eater LA]
And if you’re planning to escape to the Coachella Music Festival next weekend, chic accessories are a must. Luckily, the Los Angeles Times has the scoop on LA jewelry brand Haute Betts’ pre-Coachella soiree at Petite L'Ermitage in West Hollywood. [LA Times]
Meanwhile, LA Weekly looks into the new Matthew Specktor novel, American Dream Machine, which examines two talent agents in Hollywood. What sets the book apart from other Tinseltown-focused tomes is that Specktor treats Hollywood as just another setting, instead of a place of contempt. [LA Weekly]
In sadder Hollywood headlines, legendary film critic Roger Ebert passed away April 4 after undergoing treatment for cancer. Time gives a brief eulogy surrounding Ebert's incredible stamp on the entertainment industry. [Time]
Photography by Al Levine/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
Dinner Plans: STK’s Equinox Essentials
The chic steakhouse launches a new health-focused spring menu with the upscale fitness club.
April 05, 2013
Equinox and STK team up to serve healthier menu items like this pan-seared bass.
For a hearty steak dinner without a side of guilt, head to STK, where they’ve teamed up with top-tier fitness club Equinox to offer a healthier prix-fixe menu. The end is result is the Equinox Essentials Menu ($50), which gives guests three courses of healthier options without sacrificing flavor.
The spring menu boasts three appetizer choices, among them a refreshing tuna sashimi with hearts of palm, wakame, yuzu kosho, and black sesame, as well as a hearty kale salad comprised of snap peas, cherry tomatoes, feta, and hazelnuts. For entrees, pescetarians can enjoy a daily market fish or a pan-seared bass. Meatier mains include a six-ounce filet mignon with steamed broccolini and STK’s signature bold sauce, or a half-roasted chicken dressed in caper-lemon sauce and served alongside oven-roasted tomatoes. Since even the healthiest of eaters deserves a treat, STK has two decadent options to end your meal—a housemade sorbet topped with fresh berries, or a Greek yogurt panna cotta with lemongrass tea and fresh peaches.
Come summer, planned menu items include a shrimp ceviche appetizer, pink snapper entree, and a chocolate-avocado mousse. Reservations are encouraged by calling the restaurant directly at 310-659-3535. 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood
Photography by The One Group
