Maud Simmons is The Artist on The Stairwell

This Monday night there'll be an art party for my good friend, the very talented Maud Simmons, at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. Maud's been chosen by the store to be their next Artist on the Stairwell. Every 6 weeks or so Vroman's highlights a different local artist, which I think is extremely cool as is Maud. She does big and small and everything in between. One of my favorite quotes from her is Give me a surface and I will paint on it, draw on it, paste on it. The series on display will be her gouache shoe series. Gouache is a type of watercolor, done in layers, and Maud's chosen a subject, something we see every day, and made it the focal point.

Brown Furry Clog

Maud's work has appeared at different galleries throughout LA as well as on TV shows, films and she does private commissions as well, re-masters, and of course plenty of original pieces and series.

My Painting by Maud

Frankly, I don't think Maud sleeps and that might be a problem.

Black Patent Leather, by Maud Simmons

Vroman's is a very special store. It's the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California. And when I say largest, I mean it is large and in charge. It's not just books or art. There are t-shirts, kid's toys (not to mention a world-famous kid's books dept.), yoga gear, games, gorgeous jewelry, mugs, wonderful perfumes - like Tokyo Milk, worth it tchotchkes, and they have a kick-ass Pens & Stationary Department, which is where the artist receptions are held.

A scene from 40 Year Old Virgin shot at Vroman's Bookstore

They'll have wine and cheese and stuff like that plus live music. AND Maudy's gonna be there. You kind of can't get better than that.

Italian Sandal

Afterward, you might want to check out an independent film over at The Laemmle's, which is right next store, and one of my favorite pizza places is just a block and a half away: Settebello's. They serve Naples-style pizza. It's absolutely delicious and a really nice atmosphere.

Vroman's is at 695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101. 626.449.5320. Though they have a parking lot, if it's full, you can look for parking on either Union or Oak Knoll -- always check the signs, they do give out tickets in these parts. If worse comes to worse you can try parking in the Target parking lot. You're not really supposed to but you know, wink wink. As for the art, the party's Monday evening and her art will be on display and for sale through February.

Laemmle's of Pasadena is at 673 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101. 310.478.3836.

Settebello's is at 625 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101. 626.765.9550. The Diavola is divine. Just sayin.

Enjoy!

Favorite Store Alert: Mush

Roar!*

I don't know how I get so side-tracked. I constantly think I'm not busy at all and then weeks go by and I'm like Oh my God I have a freakin blog! Shit! 

It's like exercise for me. When I exercise, even after a respite, I remember why I do it. BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. Same with the blog. It makes me feel good. And really for many reasons: I get to write differently, it's a true hobby with no monetary gain to be had (meaning I don't have to answer to anyone), hopefully I'm helping people find out about some very good under-the-radar places and things in LA they might not know about otherwise and finally, writing these posts remind me of how much beauty is all around me... if I just look.

I'm so grateful to those in LA - the small business owners especially - who take the time to make their store just right; those who choose what they sell so carefully. They're like curators to me. And there's one person in particular who really speaks to me. I see her as much an artist as a store owner. This would be Michelle van der Heijden, owner of Mush in Silverlake.

I first met Michelle and her husband Emmanuel Todorov when they started Mush over in the Little Armenia section of Hollywood. They were right on the Boulevard, near a cafe and a Boxes Etc. store. Frankly I have no idea what drew me to the store - wasn't THE nicest block I ever saw. Maybe I liked the name. Mush. Never asked her where that came from. Fun to say. Muuuuuuush. Now that I think about it, they always had these wind chimes hanging in front. And they weren't frou frou or flowery. They looked mod and cool and like if I had the perfect home they would be hanging in it (or outside of it). Yeah, I guess it made sense why I went in.

And go in I would. For every single occasion. I don't have a friend who doesn't have a present from me from Mush (Louise's birthday scarf, Max's earrings, a candle for Ellen). There was stuff for me too. Of course. I remember when I fell in love with a piece of art from Maud Simmons. It was a little out of my range but Michelle and her husband put me on a payment plan. I don't think I paid interest. And now it hangs in my home. Where it was always meant to be.

Art by Maud Simmons

But rent went up in their 'hood and they needed to get out. I ended up writing a little article about when they finally found their new home for The Eastsider. (That's a free little online rag if you ever want to get super local. Anyway...)

Their new spot is on the 7-11 side of the strip of Silverlake Boulevard below The Reservoir. Mush is on the same side as Spaceland but down a ways, across from Yolk. There are a lot of stores in this small area vying for your attention. And without making a big to do about it, Michelle always puts something outside that catches my eye. Last time I was there it was $3.00 TV Guides.

This Bill Cosby stuff is beyond disturbing. And don't you think that TV Guide might be worth more than 3 bucks? For such an awful reason. Yikes. Yikes Yikes Yikes.

The other places might seem nice but this place has my number. It's as eclectic as I think I am. I don't know if I really am but you know, I'm not one thing. I'm not just mid-century modern or totally Art Deco. I'm a bit of this and that.

When I go in I'm always ALWAYS so pleasantly surprised. Michelle scours the freakin planet to get the stuff I think she herself would like to own or at the very least, stuff which brings up feelings or a memory for her. I often envision her with one of those beeping gadgets walking on the beach, combing for metals.

And because I'm not willing to rifle through the world's stuff to find all the gems, I'm glad she is.

Vintage Children's Rocking Chair $85. Dangerous $110.

But don't be mistaken. It's not all vintage. It's a mix-up of old and new - and it all has a story; a history...

Navajo Royston Turquoise Jewelry

Last time I was in, Michelle told me about these beautiful pieces of Navajo jewelry. They aren't vintage but they're made by the same tribe with methods passed down for generations. There is a resurgence and truly they are so special. The turquoise is real (which is a big deal since most of it has been mined to death) and frankly I don't even love Turquoise. It's maybe my least favorite part of visiting New Mexico, but I go for this Nevadan Royston blue.  

HINT.

Some of her pieces are just fun. Fun to look at, fun to touch, fun to feel. 

Fabulous Vintage 80's Mesh Necklace for $75

The above necklace or better yet neck piece is like this coin purse my mom gave to me when I was a kid that I loved to mush around in my fingers or suck on when no one was looking. (Addict in the making). With the right plunging neckline, this thing would kill.

There's also a splash of cuteness here and there. Case in point, this cherub...

Cute as shit cherub playing the flute, $125

And this adorable vintage Bull Dog that could be a door stop or your pretend dog if you're allergic.

Authentic Cast Iron Bull Dog out of Boston for $275.

The knives are apparently a favorite with vegans.

Pewter & Silver Steak Knives. $275 for a set of 6

But remember those gifts?  If you're like me $275 might be a bit pricey for a friend's birthday (if not, look me up). Mush carries those things you can just run in on your way to a birthday dinner and you know there'll be something.

k.hall soaps & candles

The above is a good example. Michelle says she's been stocking k.hall for years because people love and come back for their products. The soaps are only $12 and one bar can last up to 2 months.

These necklaces are kick-ass as well. The chains are gold-filled and the stones are Chalcedony. $35 to $54 each. 

As you can see, there's a bit of everything. It all comes together. Old and new work so seamlessly in tandem. Because it all comes from one eye. One sense of style.

The phone WORKS! From the 40's. Only one owner. Super score. 

Oh my God. I wrote all this stuff and just realized regardless of why she called it Mush I get in my mind what it means. Everything all together WORKS. Duh. Just took me 7 years to figure that one out.

Mush is at 1617 Silverlake Boulevard, Silverlake, LA 90026. 323.664.6874. Through the end of the year, they'll be open every day from 10am to 6:30pm. Street parking available but always check the signs. Also if you're not in LA but interested in what they have to offer, go to their very vibrant and active online store. You'll find a lot more furniture there as well as stuff not found in their store. They ship anywhere. Check out mush.co for more info.

Wooden Bowls, hand-turned by Gerry Martin. From $65-260.

Enjoy! 

*The Tiger's head is a prop from the 80's with realistic glass eyes. Signed by the artist. $250.00

Inexpensive Dates: Echo Park

*

I love Echo Park. It's the perfect place to go on a date. Whether it's the first date or the 21st, Echo Park's a nice stretch, not expensive, and there's so much to do. It's also nice for walking and certainly appeals to this native New Yorker. There are a lot of stores in which to browse, cafes for eclectic people gazing, and lawn art to admire. There is of course at times a bit of a dark side -- a little pollution, some polluted people -- but I don't know, doesn't bother me. And there's a lot to do. Like a lot.

I have hand-picked a few suggestions to give you a taste of what Echo Park has to offer for when you're taking someone out and would like to have some money left over in your wallet the next morning.

First off: Parking. Unlike the rest of LA where parking is usually SUCH a pain in the ass, Echo Park parking is easy. The main thrust of the action resides in two stretches: the first is between Logan and Rosemont on Sunset and the second is a few blocks on Echo Park Avenue between Scott and Lucretia (though there are stragglers beyond in both directions). You can find a bunch of street parking on Echo Park Ave., around the lake of course, and also west of Rosemont on Sunset. There's also easy metered parking (though some only take coinage). Finally there's a public parking lot behind Sunset between Echo Park Ave. and Logan that's not expensive.

It's at that last location where you'll find The Echo Park Farmer's Market, from 3 to 7pm every Friday.

It's not a huge Farmer's Market but it has a lot of fun stuff, is great for strolling and you'll come across good tastes like the Kombucha from Better Booch, a specialty local Kombucha maker. I happen to think Farmer's Markets are great walking and talking dates, which if you're free on a Friday afternoon, why not? To that end if it is a day date, one of my all-time favorite (and inexpensive) things to do is go on the pedal boats at the newly restored Echo Park Lake.

This place is so much fun and beautiful and goofy. It only costs ten bucks a person (unless you're from the Echo Park zip code and it's Wednesday, then it's $10 for the two of you). Pedaling right up to that fountain is pretty awesome and you'll get wet so don't be too prissy about your outfit. There are ducks on the lake, protected lily pads and cute people like yourselves, wearing their life jackets and risking it all. 

Early in the relationship it's good to find out how you and your potential life partner work as a team in a sea vessel 

It gets busy on the weekends so be prepared to wait, but luckily Square One has set up shop at the boathouse. Most everything costs under 8 bucks and the bacon is delightful. 

Square One at The Boathouse

They have Intelligentsia coffee and for lunch they offer a varied selection of sandwiches and salads. What I like about this place is it has the perfect balance. They've got the healthy Kale Salad but they also have hot dogs. And I'm not going to snub my nose at the frozen banana with milk chocolate and nuts. Nothing wrong with that. ($3.50 and a lot of good memories).

If it is the outdoors that's up your alley but spending money is not, go for a hike. Nearby Elysian Park is not nearly as overrun as Runyon, has tons of beauty and IT'S FREE!

I come here with my dog all the time and all I can tell you is he's in love with me. It's not that difficult to find either. When you're on Echo Park Ave., just go right at The Chevron onto Morris and you'll take a right up Morris Terrace.

But not everyone wants to work out on their dates. Sometimes just sitting down and eating sugar with a new love is the sweetest way to "break bread." Thankfully one day I happened to stumble into Valerie, a new bakery by lauded LA confectioner Valerie and her husband, Stan. Well... let the confectioning begin...

Valerie has AMAZING petit fours. I mean award winning: Champagne, Ginger, Macha, Lemon and no one is going to suddenly say Valerie is inexpensive but these are! In my humble opinion, all you need is two: one for me, one for you.

That's 8 to 9 bucks for the two of you, in and out. It could be just the sweet bite you need to get you there.

Another dessert idea, if that's your thang, is Pazzo Gelato. I've been going to the one in Silverlake for years. This one's right next to the Citibank on Sunset.

There's almost always Madagascar Vanilla and Almond Fig (yum). And both the gelato and sorbetto are heaven. Pure heaven. Fresh Mint Chip might not sound as exotic as their more elaborate flavors but trust me if they have it, that's real fresh mint in there and it's good for you and your breath. If you want to go dairy-free try the sorbetto. Peach, Toasted Coconut or Rhubarb are to die for. They are many interesting flavors and they have a reputation for the unique (ie.: Fleur de Cactus). And they've got a little Happy Hour deal. From 4 to 5pm every day each scoop is $1.50 with a 2 scoop maximum.

Now both these spots though close by 6pm. So if it's sort of at a later moment you might want to share some sweets with your new sweet...

The Brite Spot

Sugar is served up to 3am at The Brite Spot, Wednesday thru Saturday. (Sunday thru Tuesday it's open until midnight). You can be like a bobby soxer and split a milkshake here for $6 or a Rootbeer Float for $5. And I happen to be of the belief that a diner is a great place to hang out with someone new or not so new. Diners are intimate, they're relaxed, music's playing, and usually some drunk people (maybe you) are sandwiched in a booth nearby for some entertainment value. And if this is a really good date, think about it: A diner's a great place to get your first breakfast.

Speaking of food...

•Xoia

Xoia (pronounced Soya) is a funky, cute place, with great interior design and a delicious Vietnamese menu with a teeny bit of Mexican thrown in. My favorite are the Vietnamese Crepes with Lemongrass Beef. That's $9.25. Also the Crispy Tacos, 3 for $6.75, are delicious and satisfying (I love the Pork/Shrimp). And not for nothin but the Vietnamese Ice Coffee will kick your ass.

•Guisados

I loooooooooooooooooooooove Guisados. This is hands down one of my favorite taquerias in the whole damn city. I don't find it outrageously romantic but the food is so good, who cares? And there's this great outdoor patio with twinkly lights. Try the Tinga de Pollo (stew-y, rich and delicious) and Calabacitas tacos ($2.50 a taco). I must say there are a few downsides. Guisados is at 1261 Sunset Boulevard meaning, it's almost downtown. Therefore if you're where all the action is you'll have to drive to Guisados if you want some tacos. Secondly the parking lot is rather small. If you can, park on the street. Finally, I'm not the only one who knows how good Guisados is. It's kind of famous. So you might be waiting on line for a bit. Oh well! Time to get to know how you both handle waiting.

•Sage

I just went to Sage for the first time recently and I have to say, it's a really great place. The reason I said "I have to say" is I'm not a health nut. I'm ashamed/proud to admit I'm a carnivore or rather an everythingavore. To purposely go to a strictly vegetarian restaurant almost never appeals to me. Therefore "I have to say" I was pleasantly surprised. Sage is lovely and fun. It has a lot of life to it. Even when I didn't go I'd always take notice how many people were in there. It looked pretty hoppin' from the outside. I wondered, do I have to get healthy to step inside? The answer is no. But you can be healthy for the hour you're on your date and not go broke eating fresh, well-prepared vegetarian.

Girls on a date at Sage

I had the Soul Bowl. It was downright delicious. Tons of stuff in there: Kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, crunchy okra that I loved... Super filling, too. I could've split this with someone and made it a meal - though let me tell you, try to suggest that on the first date and you might come across as a little cheap. Speaking of moola, it didn't break the bank at $12.95 for my meal (this was lunch). Dinner prices are $14 for most entrees and around 8 bucks for most apps. And it's a bring your own wine spot. Give it a go. If you really need meat, just know you can always hit an In and Out on the ride home.

Still lunch or dinner (or breakfast for that matter) might be too big of a commitment for you. Many people meet for a cup of coffee - just to see if they want to take it further. If you're going to do that, I strongly suggest you at least have a good cup of coffee or go to an interesting place. That way if you're not into your date, you're happy you drank the coffee or discovered a new hang-out. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Tierra Mia fan (on Alvarado, north Sunset) but I'd also like to suggest Fix. 

The outdoor patio at Fix in Echo Park

This is such a cool cafe. I had an ice coffee there and loved it. It wasn't hot coffee with ice dropped into it but cold coffee. For the record, that's the way they should do it. Otherwise it gets soupy and thin and gives you a stomach ache. Hokay. Fix is way up there on Echo Park Avenue. My suggestion is to park where a little more stuff is going on, like around Flounce, Chango and Valerie, and actually walk up the avenue to get some fresh air on your way to caffeinate together as a couple for the very first time. On the way, there's some pretty awesome houses with such fantastic lawn art, you'll be impressed:

Lawn Art provides interesting Landscape Chat

Another coffee place but one that has more than the eats and the java, is Stories. It keeps you right where everything is happening on Sunset and offers an insight into your paramour's reading taste - which could be good to know. 

The coffee's not the point here. Stories has a great outdoor patio and browsing at books and sneaking glances above Che Guevera postcards is cinematically sexy. Plus there's a parking lot in the back.

Stories patio. They have little events here, too.

Of course if you've done the walking, you're caffeinated, you ate... how about checking out some good stores?

Origami Vinyl

Think about perusing the records at Origami Vinyl or the trinkets, clothing and art at Vlad. Actually the latter currently has some art up on the wall by my friend Jason Hadley that is very cool. I also recommend popping into some thrift and vintage clothing stores. Try something on. Even if it doesn't look good, the on/off motion implies there is a willingness on your part to be naked. Two places that come to mind immediately are Sunday's Best Thrift Store and Flounce. Sunday's Best is at 1547 Sunset Blvd. and it's one of the nicest thrift stores in LA: Small, attentive customer service and it's well-organized. But I have a very big soft spot for Flounce Vintage on Echo Park Ave. They have beautiful and very feminine clothing circa 30's, 40's on up.

Slipping into something more comfortable at Flounce in Echo Park

Nothing like putting on a swanky little Bette Davis number or a floppy Carly Simon hat to get your mojo moving.

But all this could sound like work to you. Or just not up your alley. Maybe you want to relax, release the tension, get rid of your nerves while lying down. Amen to that. For a little serious R & R I highly recommend Echo Foot Lounge.

It looks like nothing from the outside but inside you will NOT be disappointed. 

The lobby at Echo Foot Lounge

Echo Foot Lounge is a cerebral, mellow space with an incredibly helpful staff who just want to reflexologize you into feeling happy. In a communal room, you will get a very lovely rub-down at a cost that is pretty much unheard of.  A custom 1 hour full foot and body massage is 30 DOLLARS! They also have a 30 minute massage for 20 bucks but I'm like, we're just warming up at minute 29. You do stay clothed so you might want to wear something that can be manipulated for the masseuse. The evening I visited, I went from anxious to noodle-ish and I think it made it so I was good company for the rest of the night. Because it was good for me. Which leads me to say even if you're not on a date, come here anyway. Treat yourself! You will feel fantastic afterward.

As for shaking that new and relaxed and improved body, how about going to hear some music? Everyone knows The Echo is a fine place to catch a show. Admission is free every Monday night in January and frankly most of the other nights won't cost you financial agita either. Just check out their calendar for what's coming up. Tickets are usually under $20 unless a big name is headlining (ie.: Lucinda Williams in February is $24-34 a pop).

Though if a more intimate atmosphere is more your speed, I found what I think is one of the most wonderful speakeasys in all of LA while researching this post. 

1642 is at 1642 Temple, right near a Tamale place and not near anything else. I mean it. It's not like you're at The Echo Foot Lounge and are going to stroll over here afterwards. You're going to have to drive.

That being said, it's worth it. Step inside and it's like the outside no longer exists. It's such a warmly lit atmosphere, they have such lovely little tables, and with candles lit on each. I also like the fact there is an insanely friendly and ingratiating bartender. For their more raucous evenings, they have an awesome open jam the first Thursday of every month, lead by Triple Chicken Foot. It's for old-timey music lovers and anyone can bring their fiddle and bow if they want to join in. Also on Thursdays, from 6-8pm, you get a tamale with your beer or wine as part of their Happy Hour. But honestly any night here is romantic and fun and in the best way 1642 reminds me of the most romantic haunts in NYC.

That about sums it up. I hope wherever you go, whatever you do, you find the love you're looking for very soon. These posts are so nothing stands in the way of you're finding that love. Even in LA.

Sexy is the attitude of Echo Park (art from Stories Books & Cafe)

When you go:

Echo Park Farmer's Market Every Friday, rain or shine, from 3 to 7, on Logan, just south of Sunset.
Echo Park Pedal Boats is at 751 Echo Park Ave. **
Square One at the Boat House is at 751 Echo Park Ave. Kitchen's open every day 8-3p. Coffee & pastries until 5pm. 213.481.8495.
Elysian Park is off of Morris Terrace.
Valerie is at 1665 Echo Park Ave. Open Wednesday thru Saturday, 8 to 6. Sundays 9 to 5. 213.250.9365.
Pazzo Gelato is at 1910 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.353.9263. Open until 6.
The Brite Spot Diner is at 1918 Sunset Blvd. 213.484.9800.
Xoia is located at 1801 W. Sunset Blvd.  213.413.3232.
Guisados is at 1261 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.250.7600. Mon thru Thursday, 10:30  to 9. Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm. Sundays it closes at 5.
Sage is located at 1700 W. Sunset Blvd. Check website for hours.
Tierra Mia is at 1202 N. Alvarado. It's open daily from 6:30am to 10pm.
Fix is at 2100 Echo Park Ave. Monday thru Friday, 7 to 7. Saturdays & Sundays 8 to 7. 323.284.8962. They offer a full menu.
Stories Books & Cafe 1716 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3733. Check site for special events.
Origami Vinyl is at 1816 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3030. It's open 7 days a week, Sunday thru Thursday, noon til 9, Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm.
Vlad the Retailer is at 2153 W. Sunset Blvd.
Sunday's Best Thrift Apparel is at 1547 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.986.5695.
Flounce Vintage is at 1555 Echo Park Ave. 213.481.1975. (p.s. I love that phone number).
Echo Foot Lounge is at 2148 W. Sunset Blvd. 323.452.FOOT (3668). Open Monday thru Friday, 12-8pm. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 to 9:30pm.
The Echo and Echoplex is at 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.8200. Entrance to The Echoplex is at 1154 Glendale Boulevard (through the alley). For updates follow them @theechola
1642 is at 1642 W. Temple. Can't walk there from these other places -- or rather I wouldn't recommend it. 213.989.6826.

Enjoy!

* First picture is from 1642 Bar.
**Echo Park is in the 90026 zip code

This Weekend in LA: Parachute Market

Huge fun. A quarterly and seasonal design fair takes place this weekend that I am definitely going to. About 40 vendors - indie local designers - will be showing off and selling their most fabulous creations and vintage finds at Parachute Market.

Clothing, jewelry, art (wearable and otherwise), textiles, furniture -- lots and lots of gorgeous, interesting, provocative, cool stuff will be on display and ready for purchase. You'll find designers such as Brendan Ravenhill, Brook & Lyn, Kathleen Whiteaker, Cast and Combed, Victoria Morris Pottery and vintage giant A Current Affair.

As stated, it's quarterly and seasonal. This weekend participants will be paying homage to the Fall Equinox. Not sure what that's going to mean for us in terms of what everyone brings to the table but it will be interesting to find out.

So you don't drop while you shop a food market, curated by Kinfolk Magazine, will be on hand. Doling out the goods, amongst others will be Horse Thief BBQ (I hear their brisket is very tender) Sweet Clementime, Moon Juice and Bling Bling Dumpling. If it's a dumpling, I will try it! Oh, and Handsome Coffee will be there as well. As you may know by now, I need my coffee.

There's free valet parking as well as street parking. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by going to Brown Paper Tickets or you can buy them at the door for 8 bucks. A percentage of all ticket sales go to Inner-City Arts, a fantastic organization providing art education for inner city children in the heart of skid row. So freakin cool.

Parachute Market is this Saturday and Sunday, September 21st & 22nd. The address is 405 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Again, tix are 6 bucks online and 8 at the door. Saturday the hours are 12-7. Sunday, 12-6.

See you there and...

Jewelry by Cast and Combed. Photo by JUCO

ENJOY!