This is gonna be huge.

Been on a bit of a "journey" the last couple of months, and time has flown...

So here's a big catch-up.

Artisanal LA

A showcase of food vendors who share a passion for healthy, local and sustainable ingredients, this community event held in Santa Monica in April allowed us to taste the best caramel popcorn, chocolate, cheeses, and teas around.

Six weeks of partying at The Forum.

Fell in love with Prince 5 times....4 times in Inglewood and once more at The Troubadour. And tattooed the symbol on Mr. Moth.....who went 11 times!!

Rediscovered The Getty

This place always takes my breath away. From the stunning views of West Los Angeles and the ocean, to the glorious gardens and architecture...and that's before we even talk of the collection. It's impossible to take a bad photograph here, and it's not that far to get some serenity!!

LA Pride March

We feel so lucky to live in West Hollywood. We have a great community around us.

The one and only Johnny Weir, figure skating champion - Eddie's mate.

Made new friends

 Brutus and his pal had a meeting at Fat Dog on Fairfax. 

Belly rubs in Santa Monica...

 

...on a long-haired English Mastiff.

This one I call "Bertoia Chair with sweet Frenchies".

Not a dog, but one of our local hummingbirds, resting on the jacaranda - so TINY, the size of two thimbles.

 Snoozy Fiona.

 Stanley loves food trucks as much as I do.

 Nash the big Airedale.

Lucy being lazy and thinking about something...

 And finally, favourite film dog so far for 2011, Cosmo, who steals the show in the touching and beautifully human "Beginners". Go see it! Here's the director giving him direction for the next scene.

And finally walked Runyon Canyon

 ....saw hawks scoping for food,  but no rattlesnakes yet. 

The nag who lives at the top of the hill - a nice relief after slogging it up the canyon!

But never forget, this is the city where you can gaffer tape your car and it's still considered "road worthy".

And where The Pointer Sisters play at The Roxy the day after Vegan Beer Fest.

 

Gotta love LA!!

Escuela Taqueria - BUT DON'T TELL ANYONE!!

There's a new little gem in the neighbourhood - and we stumbled upon it the other night while driving through the streets around The Grove area. It's only been open 2 weeks, and my goodness, it's a goodie!

The new labour of love of Steve Arroyo, Escuela Taqueria is the cutest little taco place. Gorgeously fitted out with patterned tiles, timber paneling, zinc and iron tables, all complemented by the suspension of a huge bunch of vintage chairs from the ceiling - this is a very special place.

But it's not big. It only seats 25, with a couple of extra tables out the front. And the menu is well curated, with offerings of the taco variety dominating. The flavours, however are HUGE! As soon as were seated we were immediately served fresh corn chips, guacamole and the zingiest, most delicious fresh salsa ever. Then we had our tacos - me the fish (branzino), lightly grilled, with a slaw filling and beautiful dressing, he had the slow cooked beef taco. Both of us were thrilled. Because this was more of a "late-night-snack" treat, we were very full after that. But we will definitely return soon to also try the rice and beans, Mexican-style corn on the cob, and of course the churros. The menu apparently will rotate a bit, as according to what is seasonally available from local producers.

The service was awesome - such friendly and cute waitresses - the prices very good, and the playlist fantastic. Eating tacos while listening (and singing) to The Smiths' "This Charming Man"? I bloody love it.

But I almost don't want to tell anyone about Escuela Taqueria. This teeny place will be packed soon enough, queues down the street....better start being a regular quick smart!!

Escuela Taqueria

308 North Stanley Avenue, 

West Hollywood 

323-939-8226

Escuela Taqueria's salsa, guacamole and chips.

My yummy fish tacos!!

The open kitchen - love those hexagonal tiles.

Looking to the ceiling.

The walls feature an eclectic art collection. Who doesn't mind a bit of Fairey?

Opening tonight @ Congregation Gallery, May 14th 2011

From 9pm tonight the next installment of Congregation Gallery is open to all comers. It's a triple bill, featuring work from Dan Harding, Larkin and Patrick "Star 27" Deignan. Here's a sneak peak of what's on display - the show will be up until June 5th at 7569 Melrose Ave in Hollywood. Just look for the "Forgotten Saints" sign.

Dan Harding, "Thirteen"

Dan Harding, "Slow Burn"

Deignan's "Bad Obsession"

Deignan's "Suck You Dry"

Larkin, "Babyface McBastard"

Larkin, "Corona"

Larkin, "The First Born Son"

Larkin, "Saint Aloysius and Chumpchange"

Larkin, "The Iceman"

Larkin, "Recoil"

Larkin, "Abbey Badland"

Larkin, "Saint Gus and Pilot"

Lanie Lane @ Hotel Cafe, Hollywood

Last night we got to see a red-hot little Aussie chick doing her very awesome music stuff. Remember this name - Lanie Lane!! 

Because I think you will be hearing a lot of her very soon.

Lanie singing her sweet songs.

With Marc Orrell on guest harmonica!

And she digs Count Basie - what's not to love?

Lanie (rhymes with "flanny") was here in LA on the way to Nashville to record with Jack White - yes, THAT Jack White. Her sound was sweet, her voice smoky, and her musical style is drawn from the likes of Muddy Waters, The Andrews Sisters, but with a twist of sassy soul. Rather than just be a nostalgic retro trip, Lanie Lane imbued her performance last night with enough modern cheek to hook us into her world. My personal highlight was her "Vampire Blues"....plus Marc Orrell's lung-bustin' harmonica cameo. Gold!

After recording, Lanie is doing a show in NYC then onto London - if you are over that side of the US or the pond, please go see her, you will have a new sweetheart. Don't worry Aussies, you'll get her back in time for "Splendour In The Grass" at the end of July. To read more about Lanie Lane, go to her website, and keep an eye out for her new record, due mid-2011.

Safe travels Lanie, and go get' em girl!

Photograph by Benjamin Fraser.

R.I.P. The Arthouse, Melbourne.

I'm way too bummed to talk about The Arty finally closing in my home town on the weekend. So please read Tom's story here.

So sad I wasn't there.

Well done, Victorian bureaucracy, another home for independent musicians bites the dust.