Look of the Week: Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet attended the BAFTA Awards this past week in London in this gorgeous Stella McCartney ensemble.  With her Stella McCartney dress and shoes, she accessorized with Tiffany's jewelry.  And she looked ammmmaaaazing!!! The strategically placed sheer cutouts were very sexy yet still refined! Cant wait to see what you wear to the Oscars Kate!

La Descarga: The Sexy Havana Rum Bar in LA

When you enter through the non descript door on Western Avenue in Los Angeles you have no idea what is in store for you.  But rest assured, at La Descarga you are in good hands.  Fast forward to the trip up a narrow staircase into a lobby.  You are greeted by a hostess who walks you through an armoire to enter the two level bar.  La Descarga (meaning the after party in Spanish) transports you to a Pre-Fidel Cuba, complete with a cigar room, a live band, dancers and fabulous Rum cocktails.  The keen attention to detail takes form in its gorgeous decor, including weathered walls, antique light fixtures, wrought iron banisters, cigar boxes and an oak bar stocked full of Rum and other libations. 

The bar opened early this month (Feb 2) and has sold out nights ever since.  We say sold out because you must make reservations in order to get in.  Reservations can be made on their website: ladescargala.com They fill up fast so try and make them in advance.  Or you can always try showing up, well dressed and with a small party if you think you can get passed the doorman.

Le Descarga

1159 Western Ave., L.A.

323-466-1324

Rachel Rosenthal's Tohubohu in Los Angeles: One of a Kind

The Rachel Rosenthal Company's 'Tohubohu' is quite an interesting and very novel show.  I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it.  And that is the beauty of Rosenthal's performance technique.  Each show will be entirely different than the next.  So although I can tell you about my experience there, yours could be completely different.  While the show definitely took me out of my comfort zone, it was in such a good way.  Even in Los Angeles, it is tough to come across something that you have never seen before. But in this case, 'Tohubohu' is it.

The intimate theater, 'Espace Dbd' is lead by Rosenthal- who directs the actors into different situations to see what happens.  The name 'Tohubohu', loosely translated, means “collision or chaos” which Rosenthal describes as their process and technique.  No one knows what will happen before it actually occurs. And it's a safe bet that what you see will never happen again. “When it’s good, it’s sublime. And when it’s bad, it can be a painful experience. Much like human existence,” says Rosenthal in a naked assessment of the art form, “Sometimes you walk away scratching your head wondering what the hell you just watched. We embrace that sort of uncertainty and chaos which is counter to highly processed culture.” The show itself integrates movement, voice, choreography, improvisation, costuming, lighting, music and a variety of props/sets.

Each monthly performance, which started Feb 19th,  will span three nights during one weekend. All performances begin at 7:30 or 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20. Reservations are necessary to insure seats and can be made by calling 310-839-0661 or online via Brown Paper Tickets at www.rachelrosenthal.org.

Spring/Summer 2010 Schedule:

MAR 12th, 13th & 14th

APR 9th, 10th & 11th

MAY 7th, 8th & 9th

JUN 11th 12th & 13th

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS : at 8:30 PM

SUNDAYS: at 7:30PM

Location: 

Espace Dbd/The Rachel Rosenthal Company

2847 South Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

- cross street: Hargis Street

- street parking is available

- enter the building through the alley

Delicious Recipe of the Week: Eggplant 'Pasta'

 Eggplant 'Pasta'

In honor of the Culturistas resolution to eat more veggies and less meat (after watching
Food Inc.) we decided to post this delicious recipe from Alton Brown on the Food Network. You almost wont believe the 'pasta' is really eggplant! This makes a perfect Meatless Monday meal! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 medium-large eggplants
• Kosher Salt, for purging the eggplant
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chile flakes
• 4 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup cream
• 4 tablespoons basil chiffonade
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Peel each eggplant leaving 1-inch of skin at the top and bottom unpeeled. Slice the eggplant thinly lengthwise, about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly coat each slice with the salt and purge on a sheet pan fitted with a rack for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and roll in paper towels to dry. Slice the pieces into thin strips to resemble pasta.

In a large saute pan heat the oil. Add the garlic and chili flakes and toast. Add the eggplant "pasta" and toss to coat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the cream and increase heat to thicken sauce. Finally add the basil and Parmesan and toss to combine. Season with pepper, no salt needed as the eggplant will have residual salt from the purge. Serve immediately.

Look of the Week: Nicole Richie

The recently engaged Nicole Richie attends the debut of her line 'Winter Kate's' Spring 2010 collection at Bloomingdales in NYC.  The name 'Winter Kate' comes from the middle names of her daughter Harlow.  She wore a white button down shirt with a black lace vest, denim cutoffs, black tights and Christian Louboutin suade booties.  Nicole's top is Isabel Marant, the vest is from her line Winter Kate and her shorts are Erin Wasson x RVCA.  Her outfit looks very fashion forward, edgy and chic at the same time.  The Culturistas can't wait to shop the line!

Catherine Malandrino Los Angeles Sample Sale

Catherine Malandrino and Malandrino sample sale at TWO locations in LA this week/weekend! Check it out!

Style Profile: Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne is an Aussie actress, best known for her role in the TV series Damages and the movie Troy. She will be thrown further into the spotlight for her role in the upcoming movie "Get Him To The Greek."  Rose has incredible style as you can see through the photos below of some of our favorite outfits!