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rush to...RUSH Street, Culver City

Okay, so maybe not rush because I never run to be honest. But walk swiftly to Rush Street’s bar and lounge in the heart of Downtown Culver City’s nightlife. Rush Street faces Washington Blvd and can be recognized by its signature extensive outdoor patio and rustic Chicago-esque feel. So, because the only thing I love more than L.A. are the people in it, I’ll give you the pros AND cons of dragging your party of 5 down there. With a pretty hot dj and the city’s only rooftop patio, you can groove indoor and outdoor. Also, the Upstairs has its own bar and private back room available for events and private parties. More? There is also a stripper pole for random play attached to the floor of the lounge area of the Upstairs (amateur strippers need not apply). And for the clencher…, there is absolutely and I mean absolutely NOOOO parking issues. Now if you’re anything like me, this alone would have sold me. Aren’t you tired of playing Russian roulette with your car- parking it in overpriced Hollywood or Downtown parking lots just to get a piece of the night life and maybe even a chocolate martini?? Aren’t you just as cynical as me and wished you had a small video camera in your car hoping that you’ll catch valet slipping and stealing change from your ash tray? Park like a normal person at one of the plethora of meters that has free parking after 6pm (no district permit required). Need I continue? Downtown Culver City is also a virtually untapped resource (besides the teeny-boppers from the near by Coldstones…) I must warn you, there is one and only one CON. Culver City PD!!!!! These jokers ARE NOT and I mean ARE NOT to be fooled with. They are as timely as a shopaholic is to Black Friday. They show up promptly at 1am and wait for foolish people who think public intoxication is not to be taken seriously. Lunch plans? My choice? Try the grilled steak salad, it takes a simple salad to a new heights. Rush Street 9546 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 Happy Hour M-F 4:30p-7pm. ☺ Love, Can

Lindsay Lohan at the Grove!

MEET DESIGNER LINDSAY LOHAN AT NORDSTROM AT THE GROVE Monday, December 8th, 6pm - 8pm. Receive a complimentary ticket to meet designer Lindsay Lohan with your 6126 leggings purchase of $150 or more at Nordstrom at The Grove located on Savvy on 2. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Women's Cancer Research Institute by 6126. Photo identification may be needed at the time of check-in. Limited space available. Check-in will begin at 5pm. For more information contact Nordstrom at 323.900.1360 or Concierge Services at 323.900.8080 or click the title link. Ciao! Kan♥

W HOLLYWOOD Hotel & Residences!

Listed by our apartment therapy enthusiasts, many people aspire to have their bedrooms feel like a hotel room, (at least the bed!) Well now, if you happen to have the right amount of moola$, you can own one! The W hotel chain (my fav, by the way) have recently launched their W Hollywood Hotel & Residences website. You can currently submit your information to be the first to own. It will be their 5th hotel/residence property, and will be located at Hollywood & Vine, with approximately 305 rooms and 143 condo/residences. If you own one of these condos, you'll have access to the hotels facilities, including room-service, housekeeping, and concierge services. Oooh la la.
Covered by Curbed Los Angeles, the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences celebrated the completion of vertical construction with a topping out ceremony, an event that brought out politicians including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilman Eric Garcetti, both of whom mentioned the transportation element (it's above the Red Line) to this mega-development at Hollywood and Vine. I assume Hollywood was getting nervous with lots of traffic heading downtown....hmmm.

~Can.

Yummy Takumi

At this downtown Los Angeles sushi spot, the fish is always fresh and the rolls are bountiful. Takumi Restaurant boasts a wide selection of reasonably priced handrolls and various Japanese appetizers with the quality and service of any upscale sushi bar. The new downtown Sushi spot is open and the specials makes Takumi Restaurant a great choice for a business lunch or after work get-together. This black-white-and-red restaurant offers passers-by a hip dining space with red window panels, zebra wood chairs, dark wood floors and modern paintings. They serve upscale Japanese fare with clever twists, including thick yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeno peppers, a tuna margarita served in a large martini glass with spicy avocado cream and deep fried spicy tuna tempura. The grilled salmon teriyaki is wonderful, and the sake list features an array of options. The lunch box is a great deal for $12.50, and features assorted tempura, premium sashimi, grilled mackerel and chicken teriyaki. Park across the street behind the Pinkberry: $3 flat rate weekdays after 6pm, and $3 all day on Saturday and Sunday. Takumi is open daily from 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm. Takumi is located at 333 E 2nd St in Little Tokyo. Call (213) 626-1793 or click the title link for more info. ♥ Kan

L.A. Live "Light of the Angels" Holiday Show!

L.A. Live, the $2.5 billion entertainment complex rising next to Staples Center, is home to the Nokia Theatre, the GRAMMY Museum, Club Nokia, Conga Room, Lucky Strike, ESPN Zone, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Lawry's Carvery, Yard House and Rock'N Fish. Coming in 2009 are Katsuya, Rosa Mexicana, Trader Vic's, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Regal Cinemas.
Detailed by our downtown bloggers, the L.A. Live complex is abuzz this week, with restaurant openings, a GRAMMY nomination show, the unveiling of the GRAMMY Museum and the holiday show kickoff. The rumor around South Park is that Britney Spears will be on hand to kick off "Light of the Angels," L.A. Live's holiday multi-media show, on Thursday, 12/4/8. Each hour on the hour from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the Christmas season, "Light of the Angels" plays its seven-minute program, harnessing the power of more than 1 million lights to create a spectacle of light and music in the L.A. Live courtyard. UPDATE: The press release for tonight's event says a "SURPRISE CELEBRITY SUPERSTAR" will be appearing, along with USC football coach Pete Carroll, Adam Carolla and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Hmm, wondering if this surprise guest is Britney Spears? Spears' rumored appearance would make perfect sense. The singer is getting set to kick off a tour produced by AEG Live, the giant company's live entertainment arm. That tour kicks off in March of 2009. Yaay!
Bundle up to bear the freezing (ok not freezing) Cali weather, I'll be in the earmuffs!
~Candice

Party Tonight at Les Deux!

Les Deux is located at 1638 North Las Palmas Ave in LA. For table reservations, call (323) 462-7674. ♥ Kan

Custo Barcelona Opens at the Grove

CUSTO BARCELONA NOW OPEN AT THE GROVE!
Custo Barcelona is now open at The Grove in Los Angeles. Shop for innovative, bold looks for men and women. Located on Bow Street, next to The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge.
For more information about this new and exciting store, contact Custo Barcelona at 323.932.1971 or Concierge Services at The Grove at 323.900.8080.
P.S. I looove, love this store!
~Candice

FlyPoet Spoken Word & Music Showcase

First and foremost, $5 Martini's before 8pm !

Be moved and entertained by some of the best spokenword Poets, amazing live music, and incredible performance art, Wed, 12/3/8@ 8pm sharp. Featuring, Miki Howard, Amanda Dumas, Ainsley Burrows, Oveous Maximus, Thea Monyee and Norton Wisdom. Obviously this is not your neighborhood open mic, prepare to be entertained.

Tickets $15, Savoy Entertainment Center
214 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA
~Candice

Dancing With The Stars...The Tour!

Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s #1-rated reality-competition program is hitting the road this winter and bringing an entirely new cast of celebrities and professional dancers to 37 cities throughout North America. The fourth Dancing with the Stars tour features an entirely new ensemble of the most popular and exciting competitors from the hit ABC show, including celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton and Maurice Greene from Season 7, as well as Marlee Matlin from Season 6. Joining the celebrities on tour will be dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer, Edyta Sliwinska, Karina Smirnoff and Fabien Sanchez. The two-hour show features a larger-than-life recreation of the TV show’s actual stage and set design – complete with intimate, cabaret-style VIP table seating on the floor – that puts fans in the center of the action. In addition, the cast will be accompanied by an unstoppable ten-piece live band, performing all of the much-loved hits featured on the TV show as well as popular hits to accompany the new production numbers - produced exclusively for the tour. The production will also feature two huge High Definition video screens showcasing never-before-seen rehearsal footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and outtakes, as well as many surprise extras. DWTS The Tour hits L.A. on December 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM at Staples Center (1111 S. Figueroa St. in Downtown Los Angeles) Admission is as follows: TABLES: $225.00 LOWER LEVEL LOGE: $49.50 - $125.00 LOWER LEVEL PREMIER: $65.00 UPPER CONCOURSE: $49.50 Click the title link to get your tickets. Act soon. These tickets will go quickly! ♥ Kan

The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!

"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night" takes place this Wednesday, Dec. 3, at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE (777 Chick Hearn Court in downtown L.A.) from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Doors open at 4:00 PM and close at 5:30 PM sharp. The show will be broadcast on CBS from 9 – 10 p.m. Ticket prices vary. The one-hour special, which will also celebrate the grand opening of The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, will feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, B.B. King, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift will co-host with GRAMMY winner LL Cool J. Setting the stage for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, the special also marks the first time nominations for the GRAMMYs will be announced live on primetime television. Following the one-hour live telecast, guests will experience a one-hour exclusive concert by one of the evening’s performers. All proceeds will benefit The GRAMMY Museum. Call (877) 234-8425 or click the title link for more info. Ciao
Kan♥

Backstage

The Backstage Bar & Grill is a legendary place that's been around for over 70 years. Located across the street from Sony Studios, The Backstage has always been a studio hangout, but now it's also a favorite spot for birthday and private parties. There is no minimum, room fee or any hidden charges. My kind of place! The Backstage is the top spot on the Westside for sports. They show all the games all the time in HD on 10 plasmas. Their food has been named the Best Bar Food In Los Angeles, they are the only bar kitchen in history without a freezer or microwave. Check out the Menu. The Backstage is cool and laid back; dim lighting, cheap drinks, a cozy firepit & the friendliest staff in town. Tuesday REGULAR'S NIGHT $2 Well Drinks & Domestic Beer

Wednesday THE BEST BAR BAND IN THE LAND King Chris & A Family Affair (Texas Soul) Never a Cover or Minimum.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday KARAOKE with KJ-Shane L.A.'s #1 Karaoke. 9:00 pm. Never a Cover or Minimum.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday BIG SCREEN SPORTS All The Pro Games All The College Games

Monday - Friday HAPPY HOUR 4pm To 7pm. $2 Domestic Beer, $3 Well Drinks, Half-Price Appetizers.

The Backstage Bar & Grill is located at 10400 Culver Blvd at Motor. PARK across the street on the north side of Culver Blvd, along the Sony Studios wall. They are open from 11am-2am everyday. Call 310.839.3892 or click the title link for more info.
♥ Kan

Santa's Here @ the Grove at Fairfax/3rd!

It's that time of year for you to bundle up, risk your life putting up Xmas lights, and actually shop for the people that have been nice all year...AND while you're shopping at the one, the only, the Grove...send the kiddies to visit Santa.

Holiday festivities includes... SANTA'S HOUSE Santa is visiting from the North pole, don't miss your chance to sit with Santa and go home with photos to treasure. Cost of photo packages range from 15$-60$. Plus PET nights every Tuesday night at 6pm 'till closing. HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT The merry melodies of holiday brass and other joyous performers and entertainment. LET IT SNOW Snowflakes float from up above every night at 7pm and 8pm. Come and enjoy the Winter Wonderland. 106 FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE Continuing in one of L.A.'s most treasured holiday traditions, the Grove is pleased to present their Annual Holiday Tree. This stunning and majestic white fir is taller than the 70 foot tree in NYC's Rockefeller Center and glows with 15,000 sparkling lights and 10,000 festive ornaments. THE TOP HATS Great dance performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov 28-Dec 21 at 7pm and 8pm, plus Monday and Tuesday at Dec 22&23. Happy Holidays! ~Candice

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have never a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs! HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM L.A., ETC...!!!

The Kress: Sushi, Lounge, Dancing, Under 1 Rooftop!

The Kress – Known for his innovative and unique style, successful restaurateur and nightlife guru Mike Viscuso has created The Kress as the next Hollywood landmark. The Kress is an upscale dining and entertainment venue which boasts a full service restaurant lead by world renowned Executive Chef Travis Kamiyama with a carefully crafted cuisine menu with an Asian flare; a basement level lounge offering live entertainment and dance floor; a third level banquet and event center offering food and service, live entertainment and dance floor; and finally a spectacular design-driven rooftop lounge with cabanas and a 360 degree view of Los Angeles including the legendary Hollywood sign. In 2005, The Kress took over the Frederick’s of Hollywood flagship location and through many delicate phases of unveiling and refurbishing, The Kress maintains the original 1930’s marble stairway, brass railing, ornate Italian-designed ceiling and art deco facade.
Sushi anyone or ...midnight Dance fever?
Plush suede sectionals to un-wind or sober up....

Or find me on the rooftop...

Located at 6608 Hollywood Blvd.Hollywood, CA 90028.

Click here to view site, and expect a fab New Years bash.... ~Candice

Above Beverly Hills

This former Best Western is so cool and modern after a major redo by the Dodd Mitchell Design team. The Thompson is the sister to Manhattan’s 60 Thompson and is in the same hotel family as The Roosevelt . The ABH (Above Beverly Hills) Bar is the happening (guest-only) two-level rooftop area with a heated Swarovski-lined pool and private cabanas. Here you can sip frozen guava margaritas and chow down on BondSt sushi, while overlooking the city.
The modern, minimalist rooms start at $299/night. If you are anything like me, you may be tempted to dance on the bed or nightstand with those disco ball lights and mirrors all around.

ABH is located at 9360 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Call 310-273-1400 or click the title link for more info.

♥ Kan

Thanksgiving Road Trip!

Not doing anything this Thanksgiving? Or just feel like capitalizing on your 4-day weekend? Well, now is the perfect time to head down to San Diego and stay at The Hard Rock Hotel. They are offering special holiday room rates starting at $179! Now that's just unheard of!
So you're going to miss Gramma's turkey and dressing...no sweat. They've got that covered! Mary Jane's Coffee Shop adds their own twist to Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.
And I'm sure Gramma doesn't make a mean raspberry lemondrop martini like the rooftop Moonstone Lounge. Don't worry. The fire pits and heat lamps will keep you warm.
Don't hesitate to book a room. At these prices, the rooms will go quick. The Hard Rock San Diego is located at 207 Fifth Avenue in SD. Call 877-817-ROCK (7625) or click the title link for more info.

♥ Kan (Sorry Gramms)

Eric Benet w/ Leigh Jones @ House of Blues!

Grammy-nominated, platinum selling R&B, and Neo-soul singer, Eric Benet (ex-hubby of Halle Berry and rehab'd sex addict) will be live @ the House of Blues, Hollywood on Wed, 11/26/8. Click below to view his live performance of new single "Hunger." What do you think of new album 'Love and Life'? If you ask me, all of his songs seem to be serenading Halle. *shrugs* Update:Eric is scheduled to appear on the 1st annual BETJ Virtual Awards. It will air on BETJ Nov 25 at 8:30 pm ET and then Nov 28 at 9 pm ET on BET. ~Candice

Meet for lunch @ Cafe Med on Sunset

Cafe Med is a Roman-style Italian restaurant nestled into the center of the Sunset Strip. Recognizable by its olive green hangover, Café Med grandly occupies its corner of Sunset Plaza. Facing the area’s main intersection, a table on the café’s covered patio provides prime views of smartly dressed spenders on Sunset Blvd. Celeb sighting? Our girl Rih-Rih (and her forward stylist) can't get enough of this place.
The menu features extensive Italian selections, from starters like pizza and sandwiches to traditional pasta dishes such as ravioli and rigatoni. If you go during the day, try a slice of their thin crust pizza along with one of the many choices on their wine list. Located in West Hollywood, 8615 W. Sunset Blvd.
~Candy

Hoagies and Wings, My New Wing Stop

A friend recently told me about Hoagies and Wings, and I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first. I'm a huge WingStop fan, from their bleu cheese dressing down to their fruit punch. But I was pleasantly surprised once I tried the wings at H&W. They were voted #1 Wings & Sandwiches by CitySearch, have an excellent catering reputation, and they deliver! Their specialties include chicken wings and tenders, hoagie sandwiches, nachos and salad platters. The lemon pepper wings are a crowd favorite. Vegetarian options, which I won't be needing, are also available. Click here to check out the menu. Hoagies and Wings has multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area:
11172 Washington Blvd. in Culver City Tel: (310) 839-0776
**1544 S. La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles** Tel : (310) 360-4800
14552 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks Tel : (818) 789-4600
332 S. Broadway in Los Angeles Tel: (213) 613-1212
H&W Express (offers pick-up until 3am) 6751 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood Tel: (323) 463-2700 Delivery Tel: (310) 360-4800 ♥ Kan

Bleu Clothing on LaBrea, I'm outta control!

I've been trying to get a head start on my Xmas shopping, but I keep shopping for myself! I went crazy @ Bleu located on 454 S. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036...and found the most original, chic, timeless pieces for my new winter wardrobe, (even though a 30 degree winter is non-existent in L.A). I usually don't share or even give details about my boutiques, but there's plenty of goodies like the below. Tell 'em LA Etc sent you... and bring the AmEx, you're gonna need it. ~Can

Xiomara

Xiomara Melrose, is a showcase for chef Xiomara’s “home cooking she grew up on in Cuba, Miami and New York. Xiomara gives it her own idiosyncratic spin.”, writes the Los Angeles Times. Xiomara serves Nuevo Latino cuisine, infusing it with a French technique. Xiomara is always quaint and cozy, and the staff is consistently wonderful. Try to sit upstairs if it's available. My recommendation is the Pa’canton Giant Prawns along with a Caesar salad to start. But feel free to check out the entire dinner menu . The wine list is quite impressive as well as the after dinner drink menu. Xiomara is open until 10PM during the week and 11PM on Friday and Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Xiomara is located at 6101 Melrose Avenue. Click the title link or call (323) 461-0601 for more info. Ciao! ♥ Kan

Metrolink Trains Scrape each other, Rialto

Reported by L.A.Times, a Metrolink train and a freight train scraped each other around noon today in Rialto, but no serious injuries were immediately reported. The Metrolink train, number 306, was going east, leaving Union Station for San Bernardino. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train was going west, crossing in the area of Lilac Avenue. "No matter what happened it's not acceptable," said Keith Millhouse, the vice president of the Metrolink Board and a Moorpark City Councilman. "We'll have to figure this out. I have a zero tolerance for any type of incident, no matter how minor it is." So far, the Rialto Police Dept. says, there are "no major injuries." Five of the 15 people on the Metrolink train say they're in pain and paramedics are attending to them.
UPDATE: The two trains collided in an area of single track just west of the Metrolink station in Rialto. The westbound Burlington Northern-Santa Fe freight train was pulling onto a siding when the eastbound Metrolink train hit the tail end of the freight train, said BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent. “We were cleared to go into the siding,” Kent said. “It had almost cleared the mainline when it was struck.” Kent did not know whether the freight train had been cleared by a signal or dispatcher.
It seems that there are many uncertainties surrounding this incident. Please be cautious and hope and pray that these types of accidents will cease.
~Candice

BlackNLA Tonight @ The Parlor

Join BlackNLA.com for a social networking scene that brings together professionals from a cross-section of industries to experience the best of what Los Angeles has to offer. BlackNLA events are for singles, couples and groups of friends. The average age range is late twenties to mid forties, but everyone is welcome. BlackNLA.com mixers are an excellent opportunity for professionals from all industries to meet, socialize and/or network. BlackNLA is hosting a mixer tonight at The Parlor from 6pm to 9pm (happy hour ends at 8pm). The Parlor is located at 1519 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. Click the title link for more info on BlackNLA functions. And click here for more info on The Parlor. See ya there! ♥ Kan

If There Are Any Warren G. Fans Out There...

Warren G. will be at the Key Club tonight at 8:00pm. The Key Club is located at 9039 Sunset Blvd. I didn't even know that he was still performing. I guess there are some folks out there still living in the G Funk era. Tootles! Kan♥

LA Kings Downtown on Ice

Beginning today through January 19, 2009, there will be ice here in L.A.! The 11th annual L.A. Kings Downtown on Ice, the Southland’s largest holiday outdoor skating rink, is back! Folks of all ages can come strap on skates and glide around the rink. Holiday decorations, live musical performances and free youth hockey clinics make this the must-do family activity for the season. Hours: Mon-Thurs 12 PM- 10 PM Fri-Sun 10 AM- 10 PM Holiday hours: Thanksgiving Day 2 PM- 10 PM Christmas/New Years Day 12PM- 10PM Downtown on Ice is located in Pershing Square at 532 South Olive off 6th Street. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2. Click the title link or call (213) 847-4970 for more info. ♥ Kan