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

L.A. Auto Show (Kids Free!) @ Convention Center

Car enthusiasts and wishful thinkers, join the festivities at the L.A Auto Show. The Los Angeles Auto Show continues to grow in importance as an international auto show with more significant World debuts than ever before. As the first major North American auto show of the season, the L.A. show provides a preview of the latest vehicles that may define the future of the automobile.

The debuts feature almost every automobile segment. Hybrids will have a stronger presence than ever with several significant debuts breaking cover.

Attractions include The all-new AutoTrader.com MATCH IT Live Game Show, Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive system, State Farm’s Workshop for Women: Purchasing and Protecting Your Vehicle, and a Lakers Appearance, Saturday, Nov. 29 3:00-4:00 pm Toyota Exhibit in West Hall; Two Lakers players are bringing 500 headshots to sign; first come, first served basis.

Visit the L.A. Auto Show site here to preview the exhibitor list and map locations which includes, Acura, BMW, Jaguar, Lincoln, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and the gorgeous Maybach, just to fantasize about a few...

SHOW DATES:

Friday, November 21 — Sunday, November 30, 2008

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa StreetLos Angeles, CA 90015

SHOW HOURS: Friday, Nov. 21: 11am – 10pm

Saturday, Nov. 22: 9am – 10pm

Sunday, Nov. 23: 9am – 8pm

Monday, Nov. 24: 11am – 10pm

Tuesday, Nov. 25: 11am – 10pm

Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11am – 10pm

Thanksgiving Day: 9am – 8pm

Friday, Nov. 28: 9am – 10pm

Saturday, Nov. 29: 9am – 10pm

Sunday, Nov. 30: 9am – 8pm

The show entrance closes one hour prior to the show closing.

TICKETS: Adults: $10.00 (cash only)

Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult!

Seniors (65+): $7.00 Fri., Nov. 21 – Thurs., Nov. 27 (cash only)

I'm there for the freebies, plus kids are free!

~Candice

ADCB @ The Mondrian Hotel

Sunset Boulevard's ultra-luxe Mondrian Hotel has transformed half of its open-face lobby into a cool, trendy lounge. Filled with cream velour booths and orange chairs set against metallic-speckled walls, ADCB, Asia de Cuba Bar, is a hip lounge with no bouncers and no guest list (unheard of on Sunset Blvd). There's a signature cocktail list of 23 specialties, including the Lemongrass Lychee and the Asian Side Car. The majority of the specialty cocktails cost about $15, but for $40, try the "La Reina 'B' Cocktail." (Patron Platinum Tequila, Gran Marnier Centenaire, fresh squeezed lemon, lime and orange and a half salted rim). Sushi rolls and tapas are served in the perfect small size to go along with your cocktail or to hold you over while you wait for a table at the amazing Asia de Cuba restaurant. The Mondrian Hotel offers valet service for $15 or $12 with validation. ADCB is located at 8440 Sunset Blvd. Click the title link or call (323) 650-8999 for more info. ♥Kandyce

Usher @ Nokia Live!

Selling 35 million albums worldwide, the 5 time Grammy Award winner, singer/songwriter R&B/Pop singer, Ursher, Usha, or Usher will touchdown @ Club Nokia L.A. Live, Wednesday, 11/19/8, debuting the challenge of a 'ladies only' tour called 'One Night Stand.' I mean Usher's got classics from one of his first singles "Can You Get Wit it" (remember?) to the recent sexy single "Love in this Club." Can't wait, not sure if I'm pumped about the ladies only tour, but what else do I have to do on Wednesday? Join me and a slew of others that need an excuse to visit the new venue. Click on the title link to get tickets from our best friends over @ ticketmaster. Yeah! ~Candice

L.A. Mill

L.A. Mill is the premier coffee boutique of So Cal. The look of the boutique will steer you in and the cofee will have you coming back. If you are ever in the Silver Lake area, swing by for a cup of Organic Black Onyx coffee or a tasty panini. Also available are gift sets (right in time for Christmas) and wholesale coffees and teas. Check out the extensive Drink Menu and the exotic Dinner Menu. L.A. Mill is located at 1636 Silver Lake Boulevard in Los Angeles. Click the title link or call (323) 663-4441 for more info.

♥ Kan

Fresh Cobblers @ Cobbler Lady

Formally the Cobbler Cafe established in the '90's, the Cobbler Lady is serving the best homemade cobblers, cakes, and cupcakes in the city, just in time for the holidays. Leave the hours of cutting dough strips and baking to owner, and longtime family friend, Pam Wright. Made fresh everyday, choose Peach, Apple, Blackberry or Cherry....and if you decide to be nice to me for the holidays...please bring me ice cream too! Now also serving sugar-free cobblers (is that possible?), sandwiches, soups/salads, and red velvet cupcakes.

Dine in or take out, order a mini Peach Cobbler to go for only 6 bucks!

The Cobbler Lady

3854 Crenshaw Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90008-1821 Phone: 323-298-2144 E-mail: contactus@cobblerlady.com

Hours of Operation: M-F 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Closed Sunday

:) Candice

The London West Hollywood

One of West Hollywood's newest hotspots is the 10th floor rooftop pool bar of The London Hotel, with English garden landscaping and pool-side cabanas. Sip cocktails and order from the Gordon Ramsay restaurant menu all while soaking in breathtaking views of the city. For the time being, only hotel guests have access to the pool. So be prepared to book a room ... or know someone who already has a key. Rooms start at $249 a night. The London West Hollywood is located at 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd. Click the title link or call 1-866-282-4560 for more info or to book a reservation. Ciao! ♥Kan

50% Off Appetizers @ Ketchup During Laker Games!

Just in time for tonight's Laker's game vs Detroit Pistons @ Staples Center, speed over to Ketchup restaurant (classic American cuisine with innovative, upscale twist) for 50% off appetizers and 3$ Beers, during all Lakers' games. See, there are rewards to being Laker's fans in L.A. P.S., order the barking dogs (Kobe Beef Hot dogs) or the lobster wraps, *drool* Click the title link for restaurant info. Enjoy! ~Candice

HAUS, The All-Dessert Boutique

Fairly new to Koreatown is HAUS, the all-dessert boutique. I passed by this past Wednesday and the place was packed, inside and out. Inside are tables and big stylish sofas, where dessert fans can indulge on chocolate soufflé, passion fruit-mango cake and apricot crème brulée tart, along with an assortment of teas and coffees, all while listening to the sounds of Chingy and Lupe Fiasco. There's plenty of patio seating outside, and one of the tables features its own fire pit. Valet parking is also available. But the best attribute Haus has to offer is the service buzzer attached to every table, which has three buttons: "Call," "Water" and "Bill." You won't get much service unless you use it. When you're ready to order, hit "Call" and a waiter comes directly to the table. Want water? Push the button and the next thing you know you have a glass of water in hand. Ready for the bill? Hit "Bill" and you're on your way. I think I need a few of these magic buttons in my life.

Haus Dessert Boutique is located at 3826 W. 6th St. in Koreatown. Call (213) 388-5311 for more info.

♥ Kandy

The New Baldwin Hills...Open House!

The ideal new home community for young professionals, couples and empty-nesters, Bedford Parc and Bedford Promenade totals 172 condominiums within two mid-rise buildings, and 9,500 square feet of office space on its ground level. The buildings are four to six stories high and rest over a subterranean parking garage. Bedford Promenade includes 102 condominiums (30 one-bedrooms and 72 two-bedrooms) ranging in size from 720 to 1,030 sq. ft., while Bedford Parc contains 70 condominiums (45 two-bedrooms and 25 three-bedrooms) ranging in size from 1,100 to 1,580 sq. Ft. Both complexes will offer community space, an exercise room, a swimming pool, and guest parking. Adjacent to the upscale urban enclaves of View Park and Windsor Hills, these distinctive homes are an eclectic mix of class and sophistication, with an urban accent. Each home reflects a modern urban lifestyle, and includes such features as over-sized closets, private balconies, modern stainless steel appliances and the finest fixtures and finishes, including granite countertops accented by hand-stained cabinets. Additionally, as an enhanced upscale surveillance feature, all homes are equipped with a state-of-the-art visual intercom system which allows homeowners to view guests upon entry, as well as interface directly with the private on-site concierge attendant. To be pre-qualified, kindly fill out a mortgage application at Bedford Mortgage Corp. Apply here! To kick off the opening of this extraordinary community, The Bedford Group is hosting a community-based Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The event will be held in the retail space at Bedford Parc - 3750 Santa Rosalia Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008 (between Stocker St. and Marlton Ave.) Festivities include: • Model tours • Live music and prizes • Food and entertainment • FREE continental breakfast served 10:00am - 11:00am Join KJLH’s Kevin Nash from 12:00pm to 2:00pm for live music, prizes, and the KJLH radio van! Click on the title link for more info. *Candice

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture @ House Of Petro Zillia

Wanna shop tonight? You're in luck, Karen Zambos Vintage Couture and Massimiliano Musina belts and bags will be up for grabs at the trunk show tonight @ House of Petro Zilla, located at 8218 W. 3rd Street. Click title link for more details. ~C

Vanity Fair Portraits at LACMA

Sibling rivalry at it's finest! Annie Leibovitz shot the high-profile sisters Jackie and Joan Collins in Los Angeles for Vanity Fair in 1987, at the height of the "Dynasty" era. Competing cleavage, dueling diamonds, and battling bouffants are evidence of rumors that tensions were high between the two sisters. Joan, right, had signed a multimillion-dollar book deal with Jackie's publisher. "Jackie was the Queen of Dish, and Joan was the Queen of Soap. The two of them were white-hot, and you could see that success on the page," says David Friend, co-organizer of the LACMA show. He continues, "Who wears sunglasses in a limousine?" Divas, darling...Divas.

The exhibit of 130 Vanity Fair photographs from 1913 to 2008, including iconic shots by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton, makes its only U.S. stop in Los Angeles. Lucky us! The exhibit runs through March 1 at the L.A. County Museum of Art. Click the title link for tickets and directions.

♥ Kan

Kitchen Twenty Four

Kitchen Twenty Four is an all-night eatery which serves American Diner cuisine reinterpreted by executive chef David Rosenberger using fresh, organic ingredients. The diner/bar is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and alcohol is served 6 a.m. - 2 a.m. daily. The menu consists of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as delicious desserts and drinks. Try the fruity Velvet Rosa (rum, peach schnapps, cranberry juice & champagne). Adding a dose of liqueur to your morning coffee or sipping a Cahuenga Morning (pineapple juice, fresh-squeezed OJ, amaretto, pureed raspberries and champagne) with your pancakes may classify you as a lush, but so what! Kitchen Twenty Four is located at 1608 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Call 323-465-2424 or click the title link for more info.

♥ Kan Kan

Niketown Runs...for all you Gym Rats

Whether you’re training or looking for a new motivation, just lace up and join the Niketown Running Club. Runners and walkers of all levels meet to run 3, 5 and 7 miles-your choice, your pace. It’s fun, free and guaranteed to give you a great workout, followed by post-run refreshments.

If you want to maintain your running regimen, (or just spy on the sexy athletic trainers) the NIKE RUN CLUB will be your running partner. Just lace up to run or walk 3, 5 or 7 miles. Refreshments, raffles and mingling to follow. Bring friends and meet new ones! Complimentary, open to ALL, and rain-or-shine!

Nike@ The Grove Wednesdays at 6:30pm

189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036

ph: 323.954.0450

NIKETOWN Thursdays at 6:30pm

Wilshire & Rodeo

9560 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, California 90212

ph: 310.275.9998

~Can :)

Shrimp Tacos @ House of Taco

I'm addicted. It really is tough trying to find a eating place that actually prepares fresh, made-to-order dishes, fast! House of Taco, or what I call the "Taconologists," an authentic Mexican food restaurant, specializes in the art of making tacos. Their Chicken, Ground Beef, Carne Asada, Pork, or my favorite, the hard shell Shrimp Tacos are fantastic. Not sure if its the seasonings, the freshness, the produce, the homemade salsa or the welcome greeting that keeps me coming back for more. Also specializing in wet burritos, pupusas, mini tacos, classic combination plates...and the list goes on. Rain, Wind (crazy lately), or Shine, look for me. I'll be in dark shades and the Pink* sweats ordering a million shrimp tacos, located on 254 N. Market Street in Inglewooood. Let me know what you think, ta ta.

~Can

Psychiatry and Industry of Death Museum

The Psychiatry and Industry of Death Museum features documentaries and displays chronicling mental health barbarity spanning hundreds of years up to present day. Included are sections on psychiatry's infiltration of Hollywood, resulting in a staggering loss of talent, including Kurt Cobain, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. The museum documents that psychiatry is an industry driven by profit, and provides practical guidance for lawmakers, doctors, human rights advocates and private citizens to take action in their own sphere, and to help protect themselves and others from the abuses in the mental health field.

Some of the statistics and facts shown in the museum include:

• 20 million children worldwide are taking psychiatric drugs, which can cause suicide, hostility, violence, mania and drug dependence.
• More than 100,000 patients die each year in psychiatric institutions.
• 10,000 people are killed every year due to electroshock, 460 volts of electricity sent searing through the brain.
• Psychiatrists and psychologists have raped 250,000 women, of every 20 of these victims one is likely to be a minor.

Check out the following video to see even more of what you can expect to see at the museum.

The Psychiatry and Industry of Death Museum is located at 6616 Sunset Blvd and is open Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To book a free tour, call the Museum Manager at 1-800-869-2247. ♥ Kandyce Rejerre

Wines, Chocolates, and Cheeses @ Bottle Rock

Bottle Rock is a combination wine retailer, tasting room, and small plates cafe, with over 800 wines from around the world, as well as beer and sake. Bottle Rock offers artisanal cheese, charcuterie (meat), and gourmet chocolate plates. They also have a (very) small plates menu, including bruscetta, mozzarella caprese, and my favorite, the petite lollipop chops. (Beware, if you are hungry, please get a real bite to eat before heading to Bottle Rock. They aren't called a small plates cafe for nothing!) Bottle Rock is a bit pricey, but it's definitely a great place to go hang out with friends and chat over a glass of wine or frosty mug of beer on a Friday night. Try the $18 a glass Bardessono Vineyard Cabernet. It's one of the smoothest cabs I've ever tasted. Bottle Rock also offers Saturday wine tastings from 1pm-4pm and is located at 3847 Main Street in Culver City. Call (310) 836-WINE (9463) or click the title link for more info.

♥ Kan

STAY in a bubble HOTEL, Downtown L.A.

In our latest news, Downtown's new Stay hotel continues its inauguration this month with a novel publicity stunt that has come with a few twists. In an effort to promote the budget hotel/youth hostel hybrid, a group of young guests are currently living in two ground-level rooms with storefront windows. The guests (three men in one room, one woman in the other) will be fully visible from the sidewalk throughout the day and into the night for passersby to gawk at until Nov. 18. The Stay hotel is carved out of the decidedly less glamorous Cecil Hotel (the hotels have separate entrances). Since a group of partners bought the property last year, the owners have been performing a series of upgrades on the 80-year-old hotel, which for many years was a magnet for drugs and prostitution but also served low-income residents. The efforts have been cheered by some downtown boosters, but some advocates for the poor worry about longtime low-income residents being pushed out. The guests - Alicia Baker, 27; Casey Nelson, 25; Toby Glass, 24; and Zac Morris, 21 - all models or actors, found the job via an ad on Craigslist. The guests seem to take a laidback approach to the 20-day gig, which will earn them $500 and, they hope, some exposure. "I'm prone to doing fun, strange things," said Morris, explaining why he wanted the job. The others echoed his "why not?" approach. Goofing off, blogging and making short videos chronicling their stint for the promotional website stayinabubble.com help fill the days inside the display rooms. The guests-for-hire may come and go during the day, though one person must be in each room at all times. Each also has a regular, upstairs room at Stay, which most of them sleep in during the late night to early morning hours. For the most part, the guests say they are enjoying the attention that comes with living in a bubble. Click here for their daily blog entries. In a land where reality t.v. rules the world, this is a genius concept to promote this hotel. If you want to stare, Stay Hotel (and Cecil Hotel) is located at 640 South Main Street in Downtown, Los Angeles. ~Candice