The Hangover Pizza at Vesta in Astoria, NY.
Cutting a rug on the dance floor with the Yearbook guy from "Can't Hardly Wait".
Getting to know Pickup Artists Kosmo and Matador at Les Deux.
Nothing but love for Elizabeth Banks at Bar Lubitsch.
A St. Patty's Day smooch with Kevin Connolly at Molly Malone's.
Clearly, we didn't like our meal at Umami.
Why are the onion rings still there? Because we were too full to finish them.
I believe this is the longest I have gone in between blogs. Why, you ask? Because life gets in the way sometimes. Six days ago, my life went from downtown to uptown in the matter of a phone call. For those of you who know me -- I mean, really know me -- you know that I have been working my ass off since getting my teaching credential a year and a half ago. I've subbed, assisted, taught, babysat, and tutored, all while exploring the bleak list of available job options in this horrid economy. I was completely at a loss for what would come this next school year yet, less than a week ago, I learned that all my hard work had paid off. Be it luck, connections, or my driving work ethic, I found out that I was hired as either a second or fourth grade full-time teacher at a highly esteemed LAUSD charter school. The road was long, the competition fierce, and the interviewing process arduous, and all roads led me here: embarking on a position that will reflect all I have been through and all I deserve. To my family and friends who love and support me and instill a strong sense of faith within me, thank you. I love you all dearly and truly could not have done this without you. Throughout this trying time, I also learned that if you send positive energy into the universe, you just might get it back...and I did. I could not have asked for a better birthday present.
Now, Universe, is it too soon for me to send out that same positive energy in terms of finding Mr. Right? Or am I just being selfish? I know, I know, good things come to those who wait, but I've waited 27 years and 364 days and could write a book on all the Mr. Wrongs I've dated. Allow me answer my own question: No. It's not too soon. 28 seems like a good year for him to come my way. Thanks for listening.
Yeah, it's been a few months since I've last blogged, yet despite my down-and-out mentality, I still managed to conquer the east and west coasts. Running into A-Listers like Kevin Connolly and Elizabeth Banks, D-Listers like Kosmo and Matador from VH1's the Pickup Artist, and that Yearbook guy from "Can't Hardly Wait", I've hopped all over this city exploring places old and new. I've discovered delicious eateries and Hollywood hot spots, all without ignoring my local faves.
Umami Burger - Three locations in the LA area, and I went to the one on La Brea
Oh my, my, my. How can you put such delectable treats into words without salivating? (You can't). If you like burgers (I'm talkin' real burgers, none of that veggie or tofu shit), Umami will do no less than satisfy. All burgers are prepared medium-rare and the juice just oozes onto the plate. My friend and I both had the SoCal burger and shared onion rings. When I was finished eating, my body was very confused: Do I feel nauseous? Do I feel full? Or do I feel amazing? The answer is definitely a combination of all three. The Umami elves soak their burgers in some mystery juicy that gives it a flavor unlike any other. And, get this, it's not expensive! I think we each ended up paying $11 and change. Not bad for a gourmet hunk of beef. I'm definitely more of a veggie burger chick, although every once in a while I'll crave a big, hearty meat patty. Umami made me one happy carnivore. Parking is valet and be prepared to wait for a seat. It's worth it.
Les Deux - 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA
Les Deux? More like Les Douche. Really, don't make me wait or charge my guy friends to get in when the outdoor club is empty and the cobblestone floors laugh at my 5-inch Steve Madden gladiators. And don't charge me $10 for drinks if you won't let in any guys to buy them for me. 'Nuff said.
Drai's - Located at the W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., across from the Pantages Theatre
If you don't have a connection or don't know how to schmooze a bouncer, don't expect to get in. Imagine you're on the Vegas Strip, and this place is a blast. $14 drinks (try and meet people who have tables), an elevator to get to the rooftop, a pool, good music, a jam-packed dance floor, and pretty women (the pretty men are difficult to come by). If you like that Hollywood scene, Drai's is definitely for you. Overall, my two experiences at Drai's were enjoyable; the first one, more so, because I was with a group of fabulous ladies and a very sexy Brazilian man was on my jock all night. The second time I went was also chill, although the crowd was not nearly as cool as the people I came with. I recommend taking a cab, since parking in Hollyweird is a biatch.
...and some notable mentions:
All About the Bread - 7111 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA
The sandwiches may not be as good as those at Jersey Mike's, but the bread is made fresh every 30 minutes and out of control delicious.
Hop Kee - 2 Mott Street, NYC 10013
Dirt cheap and damn good. Don't expect that Americanized Chinese nonsense. This is the real deal. My family has been going here for years. Cash only and smack dab in the heart of Chinatown.
Vesta - 2102 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY, 11102
Incredible Italian food. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll always get a good meal and great service. Try the Hangover Pizza. Holy crap. Forget the Aleeve and water, eggs on a thin-crust meatlovers pizza should do the trick.
I apologize for the lack reviews this time around. I have been to so many places between here and New York that it's hard to remember what stands out about each place. Hopefully this holds you over for now though. With summer just days away and the weight of finding a job off my shoulders, I should be good to blog.
Up next, the Hip Chick celebrates 28 at Cobras and Matadors and Barney's Beanery. This weekend, she takes on Vegas. Cheers!
