Hummus Bar

The Hummus Bar is in Tarzana on Ventura Blvd. While it is somewhat unassuming from the exterior, it is a lively and friendly restaurant. The Hummus Bar is Israeli food and serves tons of different types of hummus as well as other Israeli salads and food off the grill. When you sit down they serve you with an amazing plate of fluffy and warm laffa bread (which they refill over and over again!!) The falafel is also delish! The only thing that wasnt as good as usual was the babaganoj (my FAV Israeli salad). Hummus bar is so reasonably priced, has a very friendly and attentive staff and really solid food. What more can you want in a restaurant.

[Hummus]

The Culturistas definitely recommend Hummus Bar!!! Cant wait to go back.

Linkage

Refinery 29: Top 9 accessories trends!
Metromix: Meet Huckleberry's pastry pro
Huffington Post: Is LA fashion week dead?
LA.COM: LA St Patty's Day Guide
Citysearch: Cheap Dates in LA

A Culturista DIY

[Elizabeth and James bracelet]

Ever since Elizabeth and James' new line came out for Spring-we have been thinking about it. They have this really cute wood beaded bracelet/necklace that I decided to make one inspired by it. Instead of the $150 price tag it probably cost around 10-15 dollars to make.

Materials:
You need a pack of small wood beads (using 40)
8 cone shaped beads
elastic invisible thread
1 crimp bead
Sissors
Crimp tool OR flat nosed tool

Directions:

I decided to use more ethnic looking cone shaped beads instead of the simple and modern ones from Elizabeth and James. But first you need to cut out your thread to 26 inches. Then you start beading---add 10 wood bead and then insert two cone shaped beads (little side facing each other) Once you get to the end you take your crimp bead, thread it through one side and then thread the other side into it--so it creates and x shape. Pull it as tight as you can. Then take your crimp tool or flat nosed tool and flatten or crimp the bead. Cut the remaining ends off and you're done! So easy!

Passport to Poland- without leaving NYC!

I usually spend either Saturday or Sunday going on some type of an urban adventure. I decided to check out Greenpoint, because I have yet to explore that part of Brooklyn. We walked around Greenpoint Ave where it intersects with Manhattan Ave. I felt like i had been teleported to Krakow, Poland. Each block was filled with Polish bakeries, restaurants, and smoked meat shops. We walked into a hole in the wall restaurant called Happy End Polish Cuisine. This is a total family dive, and the likelihood that you will be served by a woman with a missing tooth and a kerchief is exceedingly high. She was very helpful and made several suggestions as to what we should order and explained the daily specials.



We were the only non-Poles in the entire place and even got to watch a German movie dubbed over in Polish. We ordered potato pancakes (even though Hannukah is so 3 months ago,) stuffed cabbage, and white borscht. The portions were more than enough and I did not even need to use salt. Our bill for three people was $15. For a five dollar meal, I would gladly visit "Little Poland" any day. If you are more interested in baked goods, there are at least two bakeries on every block.

Cabbage salads

My next step is to scope out this neighborhood at night and see what the nightlife is made of. Bring on the Polska dancin!

Frost/Nixon

You may have seen the film- since this years Oscars held it in high esteem--but it started as a play, written by Peter Morgan. The play had successful runs in NYC and London and now for the first time it is in LA. The LA version stars Stacy Keach as Richard Nixon and Alan Cox as David Frost. While both actors had great performances, I was especially impressed by Stacy Keach's ability to bring such vulnerability and humility to his character. I left the theater feeling confused as to why I felt bad for Nixon. The costumes were fun since it was set in the 70's and the set designs are simple and practical- conveying the space without being overly fussy. They include a monitor at the back of the stage which serves as a TV set for the audience. This was a very effective way to communicate to the audience what the interview looked like on TV. It gives us the sense that we are there in that time period watching it live.

My only gripe is that I think a more intimate theater would have been a better venue for this play. When you are in a theater so large, like the Ahmanson, you can't see facial expressions on the characters faces and you feel this distance between you. It can be harder to relate to the characters. They attempted to solve this through the TV monitor- but a smaller theater would have made the play more enjoyable.

Besides that, Frost/Nixon is a great play. It shows a part of history and makes you feel as if you are there watching it unfold. If you actually did watch it unfold in the late 1970's than this play will fill you with nostalgia, while giving you background information you probably did not know.

Frost/Nixon will be at the Ahmanson Theater from March 11-29th, 2009.

135 N. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Check out Goldstar.com
for half price tickets!

Nicole Ricci's House of Harlow Collection

Nicole Ricci went to Kitson this past week to debut her jewelry line, "House of Harlow." She showed up all decked out in jewelry from her line and wore a dress that seems very Grecian inspired. Nicole is also pregnant with her second child---and looks fab! The line is actually very affordable, with pieces starting at 12 dollars!!! There are great looking bangles, rings and of course headbands which are inspired by the 1960's. Here are some pictures of the collection-- which are available to pre-order through Kitson Online.

House of Harlow 1960 - Gold Seven Strand Headband $395.00
House of Harlow 1960 - Black Resin Triangle Necklace $125.00

House of Harlow 1960 - Black Pyramid Bangle $68.00

House of Harlow 1960 - Black Leather Cocktail Ring $55.00

House of Harlow 1960 - Gold Antique Large Bangle $35.00

Father's Office- The Best in Burgers

When Father's Office came up in conversation last night among friends (and was repeatedly referred to the whole night) -- it triggered this craving that could not be satisfied by your average burger. And Father's Office does not serve your average burger. FO boasts a burger made of carmelized onions, bacon, gruyere, blue cheese on toasted french bread. And be warned they don't make any changes or substitutions to their delicious creation. You can't even order ketchup at this place. What you do get, however, is a garlic aioli dipping sauce as well as a blue cheese aioli when you order sweet potato fries. Sweet potato fries are a must here- since they are the most flavorful in the city. Ordering a beer is also a must since they have an impressive 30 something beers on tap.

The Burger

While their Santa Monica restaurant has been a watering hole for west side residents for quite sometime, they opened a new (and BIGGER) location in Culver City last year. If you don't feel like waiting in a line to get a table try hitting up the Culver City location at exactly 12pm on the weekend. And don't try and get in if you are under 21---they won't even let you inside to eat. But if you just want to drink at the bar it is open until 2am on Friday-Saturday and 1am on Mon-Thurs.The Patio in Culver City

Fathersoffice.com

Locations:
3229 Helms Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
TEL: (310) 736-2224

1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
TEL: (310) 736-2224