"O" Yeah

My newest tattoo, courtesy of Dave Hatton

Okay, this is now officially the longest I've gone without blogging. Yes, I'm still being hip. Yes, I'm still trying new places. Yes, I'm still gettin' my workout on. Although, I am ever so fortunate to have a full time job that takes up the majority of my time, which hinders my blogging updates. I've finally reached my career goal of becoming a full time elementary school teacher. I work at an amazing school in the San Fernando Valley and teach 20 adorable second graders who, as chatty as they can be, truly light up my days. Even though my voice is shot and my energy drained, I can look back on these seven post-college years and see that all the dedication, hard work, and trying times have led me here. I'm a teacher. This is where I want to be.

And now, your reviews for the day:

Red O 8155 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Holy shit. Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten in. Created by Rick Bayless, winner of "Top Chef Masters," this Mexican joint has the perfect combination of taste, ambiance, and Los Angeles class. My cousin chose this place for his birthday and, although I knew the bill would be a pretty penny, it was WELL worth it. Our menu looked something like this (mind you, there were seven of us): Albacore tuna ceviche, Yellow-Fin tuna ceviche, chicken en mole poblano, beef short rib sope, pork belly sope, duck taquitos, fresh corn and goat cheese tamales, Oaxacan chicken tamale (my bro and I weren't fans of this one), crab and shrimp enchiladas (O...M...G), Tinga Poblana, carne asada, goat cheese cheesecake (a little intense for me), bunuelos, and cajeta ice cream. Wowie zowie. The bill came to $60 per person, although take one bite of those pork belly sopes and you'll be running back for more. Rezzies are hard to snag, so book in advance. Parking is street or valet, and don't forget to check out the tequila bar attached to the restaurant. Who's with me??

Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya 8420 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 90048

Hands down, one of the best sushi restaurants in LA. And, lucky me, it's a stone's throw from my apartment. Had a girls' night out here with one of my closest ladies, and we indulged. Miss O introduced me to the creamy rock shrimp tempura, which was out of this world. Combine that with baked crab, tuna on crispy rice, Robert rolls, fresh fish, sake, and good company, and you've got the perfect night out. It's pricey, but not much more than you'd pay at any other legit sushi joint. Make a reservation or you'll be locked in quite a wait. Parking is street or valet. When you're done, walk a few doors west and pop into St. Nick's for a drink or two. Mmm mmm good!

Velvet Grip Tattoo 7213.5 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90046

Dave Hatton rocks my world. He's a no frills artist who tells it like it is. He makes the experience vulgar and entertaining -- just how I like it -- and he does an amazing job. If you want a tattoo, go see Dave. Tell him I sent you.

Zumba

What's better than working out without realizing you're actually working out? Nothing! Zumba is a combination of Latin and African beats that works you from head to toe. Since my gym closed for renovation and my schedule leaves me very little time to even breathe, I needed a workout that would be convenient, yet successful. Drop $75 and you'll get the dvd series and toning sticks -- totally worth it. Don't be surprised if you look like a total jackass when doing the moves; fortunately, this is geared for the comfort of your own home. I shut my windows, close the blinds, and shake what my mama gave me (my apologies to the neighbors downstairs). You'll be sweating within the first 10 minutes and craving to move like the people in the video (keep dreaming). Oh, and yes, Beto looks like he smokes some serious crack. His eyes are a wee bit too dilated when they do those close-ups. You can't blame him, though. He's made an empire off of shaking his hips. Rock on, Beto. Rock on.

Download this:

History (feat. Will Young) by Groove Armada and Mr. McGee by Zero 7, both of which make me very, very happy.

And, finally I will leave you with this quote for the day, which is a little insight into my life at the moment:

"When I come to the edge of all the light
I know, and am about to step off into the
darkness of the unknown, FAITH is knowing
one of two things will happen ...

Either there will be something solid to
stand on or I will be taught how to fly."

The Art of Pickup

              The Cactus Cooler - my new favorite shot (next to the 

                                       Washington Apple)

I think it's about time I start talking about some bars and nightlife in LA.  Yes, I do love my food, although nothing follows up a good meal like good drinks and good company.  Am I right or am I right?  Before heading out to any bar/socially interactive environment, I suggest the following reads:

Ladies and Gents: The Game (non fiction) by Neil Strauss is by far one of my favorite books.  "Pauli, why does the book look like the Bible?"  Well, my friends, that's because it is the dating bible for men and women alike.  This book will teach you the tricks of the trade and let you know when you are getting IOIs and negs, and show you the tell-tale signs of a true player.  I consider myself one of these true players in the dating game and contribute much of my success to this book.  It will definitely keep you intrigued the entire way through.  You can also check out The Pickup Artist on VH1, hosted by Mystery, a main player in the book, to see how nerdy guys are transformed into master pickup artists.  Or you could just step out into the field with me.  Wing people are my heroes.  

Ladies: If you haven't read He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.  This book is a quick, entertaining read and has saved me from many years of heartache.  Just because he's just not that into you doesn't mean you have to be into him, and you really have to learn that, many times, a guy is just not that into you for inexplicable reasons.  Grow a pair, deal with it, and move on.  There are plenty of other fish in the sea.  Don't try and reach out to a guy who isn't man enough to give you the attention you deserve.  I keep telling this to myself time and time again as I leap over the frogs on the path to Prince Charming.  Yo, P.C., you out there??

Back to bars.  You can frequently find me at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood.  Weekends are best and get there before 10:30 to avoid a line.  Smoking patio in front, bar in the middle, dance party in back.  A little something for everyone.  Attractive crowd, too.  Although last time I went I was hit on by a middle-aged creeper who asked me if I'd date a guy who listened to Disney music.  Sorry, chump.  I only date straight men who are half the age of my dad.  Thanks.  Did I mention that the Lub' is also walking distance to Astroburger?  Oh yes...oh yes.  

Two other staples are Barney's Beanery and St. Nick's, both in West Hollywood.  You can roll up in jeans, flip flops and a t-shirt and not be hassled.  Sadly, neither joint hosts a Happy Hour.  They need to fix that.  

Barney's is this long-standing rocker bar, serving a surprisingly wide array of food (their menu is a newspaper!) and providing a lively spot for watching sporting events.  It's hit or miss with the crowd, yet always results in a good time.  I'm not gonna lie, I did barf the last time I ate their chicken fingers, but my stomach is just not that into fried food.  I won't hold it against them.  

The best part of St. Nick's is the ginormous size of their drinks.  For $7 you get a cocktail that's about three times the size of one you'd get at Area.  St. Nick's is this hole-in-the-wall pub that fills up on the weekends starting around 11:30.  I dig the crowds, so to attain peak mingling opportunities I'd recommend relaxing and sipping some $2.99 J.W. Morris Riesling (Trader Joe's) before hopping in a cab to get there.  The later the better.

*Notable mentions are listed under "Lush Locations."