Hip Chick WV

And this was just the rehearsal dinner

Hi, y'all! I'm back from the east coast, currently detoxing from a week filled with biscuits, beer, Moon Pies, Buttery Nipples, red velvet cake, Moonshine, cornbread muffins, and a whole lot of humidity and bug bites. I'm pretty sure I went into culture shock in Hurricane, WV, the minute we stopped off at Taco Bell for our first meal. Little did I know that Taco Bell is in the heart of Putnam County, WV, backed by an Arby's, KFC, and the largest Walmart I've ever seen in my life (did you know that they sell produce?!). As you drive down the street, everyone waves to you, no one honks, and the lush green acres house big, beautiful homes for less than half the price of a two-bedroom house in the San Fernando Valley. Let me tell you, though, as much as I am a city girl, being in the country for a week truly made me feel like I was on vacation. I was surrounded by wonderful people, soaked up the sun, ate like there was no tomorrow, and remembered the importance of taking a deep breath and appreciating the simple things in life. Allow me to share with you some of the trip's delectable highlights:

The Runion-Hayes House:

Talk about your southern hospitality! I stayed with the groom's parents for half of the time, then moved to the happy couple's abode for the latter half of my trip. Never once did I feel like I was on someone else's territory, for these people truly defined mi casa es su casa. A fridge filled with fresh meats, cheeses, and an abundance of leftovers, dinners and brunches decked out with breakfast pastries, mac 'n' cheese, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and massive hunks of steak, and a variety of cheesecakes that would reward a hefty chunk of change if sold at a bakery. If all people were as hospitable as southern folk, we wouldn't have to spend so much on alternate accommodations. Many thanks again to all members of the Runion, Hayes, and Runyon-Hayes families!

Tudor's Biscuit World

Wow. These biscuits are probably baked in butter. Salty, dense, filling, and totally worth the calories...well, only if you indulge once a week. I had mine after a late night out and, even though my friend spilled water on the table and on my biscuit, I still ate it. A must-try when on the east coast.

Famous Dave's

Hands down the best cornbread muffin I've ever had. Sweet, scrumptions, and tasty with or without butter. Kudos to Scott for introducing me to these bad boys, and I just learned that this restaurant is dispersed throughout southern California. Who'da thunk?

Cracker Barrel

Apparently this restaurant is famous in the south. I went to brunch here with some new and old friends and was really hoping for a healthy breakfast option. Oh how excited was I to see oatmeal on the menu! When Flo walked over, she burst not only my healthy bubble but also my friend's vegetarian bubble by telling us that neither oatmeal nor veggie griddles were continued at the Cracker Barrel. WHAT?! I had to settle for a salad with iceberg lettuce...ugh. Whoop dee doo. Everyone else's meals looked like delicious heart attacks on plates, which I would have devoured instantaneously had I not been so gluttonous the previous four days.

Taste of Asia

We ate here with the newlyweds on our last night in WV. When you walk into the restaurant, you have your choice of hibachi on the right and regular dining on the left. This place truly gives you a taste of Asia: Thai, Chinese, Japanese, oh my! A little bit of something for everyone. I was pleasantly surprised with this restaurant, and my Panang curry was sweet, creamy, and loaded with chicken and veggies. Thumbs-up, Hurricane! I'll be seeing you during my next visit, fo' shizz.

What else can I say about West Virginia? If you can't stand the humidity, get out of the forest.

"Go Shorty, it's ya birthday."

Dear Hot's,

I'll take the mussels and ahi tuna appetizers, followed by one salmon teriyaki taco and one unagi taco. Yeah...that sounds about right.

*Images are much smaller than they appear in real life.

I apologize, for it's been a while since my last blog. When it rains, it pours, and I've been blessed with an influx of sub and assistant work through the end of this school year, followed by a summer job at CSUN's summer enrichment program. Needless to say, I've been busy, although it's all good things that have come my way. Despite my hectic schedule, the Hip Chick still lives, and I come bearing reviews of restaurants and classes of new and old:

As some of you know, I turned 27 on June 8. I am so fortunate to have so many loving friends and family who made my birthday so special, filled with laughter, love, good food, buttercream-topped cakes, and a buttload of birthday wishes. As a part of the birthday festivities, one of my best friends planned a dinner for my nearest and dearest at Kung Pao Kitty, located on Hollywood Blvd., just west of Cahuenga.

Kung Pao Kitty 6445 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Kung Pao Kitty boasts an old world vibe with a modern twist, dark red lights and a full bar. You can find all of your favorite Chinese eats, topped off with a basket of fortune cookies to be passed around the table at the end of your meal. There were about 15 of us and we ordered family style. Really, everything we ordered was awesome. Since I didn't do the ordering, I can't list the massive amount of items we consumed, but I remember the cashew and sesame chicken being excellent, as well as the fried tofu, cream cheese wontons, and salt 'n' pepper prawns. We also ordered "adult" beverages and the total bill, evenly split, including tip (and the birthday girl's meal) came to $25 per person. Me likey. The one complaint we had was that the "adult" beverages were quite weak for their stiff Hollywood price tag.

*Word of advice: DO NOT PARK ON THE STREET!! Well worth it to pay $8 for valet over the risk of getting not one, but TWO parking tickets (sorry, Stepha).

Hot's Cantina In the shopping center at Devonshire and Reseda, Northridge

All this talk about Hot's and I still had yet to try it. Although I'm partial to the city, my weeks are spent deep in the San Fernando Valley. If any of you recall that episode of Entourage where it's the opening of "Aquaman" and the boys go to Northridge to watch it, you may recall, at the end of the episode, that Johnny Drama says the valley "isn't that bad" (despite the excessive heat and rolling blackouts). I do love the valley (c'mon, I was born and raised here!) and one of my favorite new things about the SFV is Hot's Cantina. This restaurant, with its blacked-out windows in the middle of a strip mall, is truly the definition of a hidden gem. Come expecting tasty appetizers, exotic tacos, a full bar, and a happy tummy when you're stuffed to the brim. Although the tacos aren't cheap, running $6-$12 a pop, they're HUGE and one or two should fill you up sufficiently. This spot is great for groups and a great place to watch sports -- they even have tv's in front of the restaurant if you decide to eat outside. A must try if you brave to drive over the hill.

Lola's Home of the BEST apple martini, 945 N. Fairfax Ave., WeHo

Lola's is a great spot for drinks, as well as an awesome date spot. Young professionals, deliciously fruity martinis (apple, pear, cantaloupe, yadda yadda yadda), and a very laid-back, loungey and classy feel. The food is GREAT, yet very pricey, so if you have the money go balls out, or else save the food for a special occasion. Oh, they do have "Wine and Dine" Sundays and Mondays, happy hour, and this AWESOME deal on Wednesday nights where for $23 you get a martini, an appetizer, and an entree (limited menu with good options). Count...me...IN!

Astroburger 7475 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo

What more can I say about Astroburger? I think they need to put my picture up on the wall. The best late night dining spot. I bring friends, I run into friends, I make new friends. The grilled cheese is amazing (so simple...yet so delicious) and their chocolate shake is not to be missed. Cash only. Call me after you try it and tell me how much you love me for introducing you to it. Don't worry, I won't let it go to my head.

West Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness 8612 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo

Now I've definitely ripped the Friday Turbo Kick instructor, Anthony B., a new a-hole in past blogs. He runs his mouth about rotator cuff surgery, the "correct" way to punch, and says the word "test" into his mic every five minutes in annoyingly OCD fashion. So you might expect that I wasn't too thrilled about my decision to try his class yet again on Friday night. I had no motivation to hop on a treadmill, so I figured I'd give his class another shot. Friends, let me tell you, Anthony B. redeemed himself! Hallelujah! My ass burned at least 800 calories in that cardio-packed hour. It was a regular kickboxing class that night, not Turbo Kick, and he gave us drills that would send many people straight to the Gay Pride-ridden streets. Squats that burn out your thighs, speed bags to make your shoulders go numb, and running sprints that make you question if your legs are still attached to your body. He still gave his rotator cuff and punching shpiel, topped with incessant "test test tests," but an instructor who says: "Follow her, she's really good," to the big buff man behind me and refers to me as sexy as the puddles of sweat drip down my speed-bagging arms, can't be all that bad.

Well, friends, I'm off to West Virginia. Imma gonna be a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's weddings; the first wedding I've ever been in! Will the Hip Chick return with West Virginian adventures? Do adventures even exist in West Virginia?? I sure hope so...

I Don't Date (818)

This past weekend was one of my rare weekends spent in the San Fernando Valley.  My weekends are usually dedicated to time with my brother and friends in the city, since it offers much more excitement than lil' old suburbia.   There's just something special about making that trip over the hill (a.k.a. Laurel Canyon): the Sunset Strip, the crowds, the city lights, honking at S.A.M.F.'s (ask my dad for the definition) who can't comprehend LA driving.  I love it, and soak it up as much as possible.

Last Saturday night, after the decision to remain in my valley home (Aunt Sherry and Uncle Lloyd's), my friend and I grabbed some dinner at Senor Fred, in between Sherman Oaks and Studio City, before heading out for another friend's party at the Copper Bucket.  I had heard bits and pieces about Senor Fred, "It's good but expensive," or "There's a lively bar crowd."   Regardless of having to pay for a pricey dinner on a substitute's salary, I believe it's well worth it to spend hard-earned cash on a damn good meal.  To my dismay, my chicken mole enchiladas were rather nasty.  The chicken was oh-so-dry, the tortillas were corn (ick) - not flour, and the pinto beans were bland.  I should have sent the plate back, although sometimes I am nice and keep to myself and figured I'd save the smack talk for the blog.  My meal (w/tip) was $19, and I would MUCH rather have paid $3 more for the five-course authentic Mexican deliciousness over at the Gardens of Taxco.  Shame on you, Senor Fred.  The bar was pretty crowded, although only fun if you root for Team Cougar.  No amount of alcohol could make me bat for the olds.  I'm about to turn 27, not 72.  I'd like to still maintain my dignity and non-gold-digging image, even if I'm the one paying for my drinks.

After dinner, we hopped on the 101N (well, west, technically), exited at White Oak, and hung a Louie onto beautiful Vanowen, landing us at ye ol' Copper Bucket.  Now I don't consider myself a bar snob...eh, well, not completely?  I tend to bitch if I'm outside of my city bubble on a weekend night and I find it inconvenient to drive 20 minutes to a bar ("Everywhere in LA takes twen-ty minutes!"  Anyone?) when I can hop in a cab or walk down the street to a local WeHo favorite.  

I avoid Hollyweird at all costs, hate lines, and hate the D-bags that move to LA to look cool while standing in these lines.  So even though the bars I frequent aren't necessarily "dive" bars, they're populated with many laid back locals who also avoid the "scene."  I was intrigued to check out this Copper Bucket place, especially because the birthday girl, Marisa, is the only person I let manipulate my hair and by far one of the coolest chicks I know.  The Copper Bucket, in my opinion, is more rust than copper.  Definitely a local crowd, some of which look a bit shady (according to my friend, the elderly gentleman behind her was feeling himself up when she caught a glance of him).  I will hand it to this place, though -- no hassle getting in, personalized mini pitchers of beer, shuffle board, darts, pool, and head-bashing music blaring on the Juke Box.  This is definitely not my scene, although I know many people who would appreciate the Bucket's aura.  There's just something that sets me off from a bar whose lights are brighter than those in my bedroom.  Drinking or not, I don't want to see those bright lights until last call sends me to Astro or Mel's.  

Speaking of Mel's, did I tell you who I saw there?  Mr. Ron Jeremy and his friend Dennis from the Bunny Ranch.  G-d help me if I knew who this Dennis man was, and I recognized RJ from other LA sightings (sorry, friends, I haven't seen his work) and my one-and-only Plus One who pointed him out.  Even though these men are rather scuzzy and RJ looks a lot like the Penguin from Batman Returns, they did give us a good laugh.  People kept going up to their table trying to talk to them and Dennis flashed us (yes, us) his girlfriend's tushie on the walk out.  

...gotta love this city...