The Best Nude Beaches in Europe

In Europe, where the body isn’t seen as shameful, they invite you to enjoy nude beaches where you may trot around freely, getting sunburned in places that hurt worse than you can imagine. But it sure is fun at the time. Here are a few to add to the trip to-do list:

Plage de Tahiti
Saint Tropez, France

Saint Tropez has long been famous for its beaches, especially the ones Brigitte Bardot and Ursula Andress luxuriated on while the wearing teeny tiny bikinis that rocked the 1950s. By the 60s, toplessness was de rigueur and now just about any beach along the Riviera welcomes the show. Plage de Tahiti, however, goes the extra mile and invites visitors to enjoy both the clothing-optional policy and risqué atmosphere. If you want to spy royalty, jet setters and celebrities in search of a tan-line free experience, this is the place to be during the hot summer months. The Côte d'Azur town is packed from May-August so heed this advice: Avoid arriving on weekends unless you enjoy chaos and melee, and be sure to make hotel reservations far in advance if you plan on staying overnight.

If you decide that beach time isn’t enough nakedness, visit Cap d'Adge, a French city that welcomes “naturist” (aka: nudist) in all their glory. You can bank, grocery shop, enjoy brunch, all in the buff. It’s like that dream where you’re walking down the street naked, except, this time, everyone else is naked too.

Paradise Beach
Mykonos, Greece

Aren’t we all searching for paradise? Isn’t that why you take a vacation? Welcome to Mykonos, one of the most popular and cosmopolitan island destinations in Greece and home to Paradise Beach. If your idea of paradise is an equal mix of nudism and toplessness spread across an age demographic from children to great-grandparents (let us say, gravity is a cruel mistress), where the music and libations start flowing at 3 or 4pm, this is the beach for you! There are two bars for your convenience, the Sunrise Bar and the Tropicana and, once a month in the summer, there’s a full moon party. Mark it in your lunar calendar!

Playa d’en Bossa
Ibiza, Spain

In a place already know for its hedonism, legendary parties and exceptional beaches, wouldn’t you expect Ibiza to have the market cornered on nude enjoyment? Playa d'en Bossa (Platja d’en Bossa) is the longest beach on Ibiza and one of the most popular which means there are plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy in your birthday suit. In Spain, you don’t have to fight for your right to party in the nude. Nudism is one of your civil liberties according to the Spanish Naturist Federation. Foam party, here you come!

The Hollywood To-Do List

Welcome to Hollywood where it’s not who you know but who you blow. In order to keep up with the times, here is a list of the Absolute To-Do’s, those who will make or break your existence in the City of Lost Angels. So get out the knee pads, boys and girls, and open wide.

The Gate Keepers-

Who: The Winston’s Three, the boys who guard the door at Winston’s on their coveted Thursday, Saturday and Monday nights.

Why: Because you want to party with the Hiltons, the Olsens, half the staff of Endeavor and anyone associated with the Huvane Dynasty too! (Youngest brother, Chris, is a partner in the bar.)

Intro Line: “I’m friends with Al.” (Al is another owner who’s rarely there. Say you met him at 24 Hour Fitness.)

The Hyphenate-

Who: Dead sexy Canadian Jew, Seth Rogan.

Why: Because his films consistently gross over 100 million dollars, he’s been nominated for an Emmy, and he can ingratiate you to the Judd Apatow Gravy Train Posse. So what if he’s got the kind of love handle/belly rolls that could smuggle drugs through Bolivia?

Intro Line: “Wanna play Green Hornet and Wonder Woman?”

*Added bonus, you kill three clichés with one fell swoop: writer-producer-actor! Hooray for Hollywood.

The Meal Ticket-

Who: Tom Collichio, Crafty Daddy.

Why: Because Craft’s West Cost incarnation is strictly for Ballers with expense accounts and the name recognition to get a table. Once inside, you’ll have access to 99% of CAA and the clients they love.

Intro Line: “Your Wagyu Rib Eye blows my mind!”

The Girl Friday-

Who: Debbie Liebling, Foxy Mama.

Why: Because Trey Parker and Matt Stone have an altar devoted to her and she’s responsible for bringing “Borat” to a theater near you. Does the word “Zeitgeist” ring a bell?

Intro line: “So…I hear you dig Chocolate Salty Balls.”

The Mouth-

Who: Perez Hilton (Hey, we didn’t say this would be easy).

Why: Because his blog gets about 55 million hits a month. One mention and you’re in the pantheon of Brit Brit, La Lohan, and Brangelina.

Intro Line: “I got your scoop right here.”

Written 9.9.07

Sticky Situations, The Life of a Soft Core Porn PA

Sticky Situations, Written for FoxAtomic/Madatoms.com

There are no names to protect the innocent but let me be very clear, THIS IS NOT MY STORY, this is the retelling of my anonymous friend's first job in the "industry".

My first job in the entertainment industry was as a Soft-Core Porn PA.

I’m livin' the dream!

That’s what I kept telling myself the first day on set (a strip club in Commerce that was dirty-irty-irty) as I sat for lighting tests on a crystal bed covered with glass dildos and paddles with heart cut outs (for a Valentine’s Day perfect mark).

Livin’ the dream! Livin’ the dream! I bet Spielberg totally had jobs like this!

Hollywood is all about paying your dues. I paid my dues by watching two people pretend to hump, patch-and-sock style. For those of you who still think Skin-amax is hot, realize, while he’s pretending to ravish her behind gossamer curtains, a nylon knee high “sock” is smacking her “patch”-ed ass while a producer, two feet away, watches like a hawk to make sure there’s no skin on skin action or else the “actors” get a pay bump.

Though accidents happen. Sometimes scenes are shot with hardcore actors, people who aren’t used to not really having sex. One time, the DP, grasping at straws to be able to tell himself that this wasn’t “real porn”, starts screaming “CUT! CUT!” After shooting over 300 hours of folks dry humping, he caught a glimpse of some real penetration, threw a fit and threatened to quit. Everyone has their limit.

Like the time they needed another extra in a Marine barrack gang bang scene. They asked “What would it take to get you to do this?” I really really really didn’t want to. “What happens if I end up running Disney?” I asked. How do you explain that to the Mouse? “How much would it take?” they asked. How do you put a price on your dignity, your future, your pride? I did it for an extra $100 bucks. But I made them spray dye my hair and gave me fake stubble.

Then, one day, I got fired. Have you ever thought how it feels to get fired from a porno shoot? Just imagine it for a minute. The porn industry just declared that you are not good enough.

So, I moved on to Reality TV.

And you know what I learned? The line between reality shows and soft core porn is very thin. Hey, I’m livin’ the dream.

Celebrities Bios

I was commissioned by an internet site to write bios on 30 celebrities.

Here were the guidelines:

Must Include-

Place and date of birth
Real name if different than stage name
Awards and honors
Reason they inspire public scrutiny
50-75 words or less
Originally written with a clear "voice"
No repeating order, change the way the information is delivered every time so they each seem fresh

This is what I came up with. Whadyathink?

Angelina Jolie

Not just one of the world’s most beautiful woman and the most famous homewreck, Angelina Jolie is an outstanding actress even winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Girl Interrupted” in 2000. She comes from good stock after all. Despite dropping the Voight at the end of her name (and then dumping Dad all together) on June 4^th, 1975 in Los Angeles, California, the Midnight Cowboy became father to the mouth that launched a thousand ships and at least as many foreign adoptions.

George Clooney

Get me a Caesar cut and a scalpel, STAT! As Dr. Doug Ross of ER (1994-2000), George Clooney finally launched into superstardom after years of failed pilots and short lived guest spots. The Lexington, Kentuky native has declared he “will never be married again”, which just makes us want him more! We even loved him all pudgy and angry in his Oscar winning “Syriana” performance. Write May 6^th, 1961 in the history books as the day Danny Ocean was born.

Chace Crawford

John Travolta (Welcome Back, Cotter), Luke Perry (90210), Chistopher Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl). Insert high pitched shrieking here. In Lubbock, Texas on July 18^th, 1985, who could have known that they were welcoming a new teenage heartthrob to the world? With the sky rocket success of the CW Smash and a slightly covert relationship with American Idol, Carrie Underwood, only time will tell if Chace goes the way of Joey Lawrence or Michael J. Fox.

James Woods

Born April 18^th, 1947 in Vernal, Utah, James Woods has made a career of talking fast and thinking faster. He made the leap to fame as a hardened cop killer in 1979’s “The Onion Field” and has been one of Hollywood’s most eccentric leading men ever since. A member of MENSA, he uses that big brain on the ladies and they swarm like bees to honey. He’s so good, rumor has it Sean Young stalked him after he dumped her.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton, hailing from Jolly Ol’ London, England, began her career as a lauded child actress. She was in Tony Kushner’s acclaimed “Slavs!” at the age of 9 (born: Jan 24^th, 1986), “The Sixth Sense” at age 13 and became a star as “The O.C.’s” Marissa Cooper at 17. Since the show was cancelled last year, her major claim to fame is being a member of the growing Hollywood Starlet DUI Club and repeatedly getting caught smoking a joint while driving.

Sofia Coppola
Born into fame on May 14^th, 1971 in NYC, NY, when Sofia Coppola took over for Winona Ryder in “Godfather 3” she was promptly awarded a 1991 Razzie-Worst New Star/Worst Supporting Actress. But she returned triumphantly in 1999, directing “The Virgin Suicides”, then winning a 2004 Oscar for best original screenplay (“Lost in Translation”) giving her the dubious honor of one of the few people to win both an Oscar and a Razzie.

Nicole Richie

Chubby Paris Hilton tag-a-long loses the weight and makes good. Nicole Camille Escovedo was born on September 21^st, 1981 in Berkeley, California but was adopted by Lionel Ritchie in 1990 and that’s where the trouble began. “The Simple Life” made her known, her weight loss made her famous, her feud and reconciliation with Paris made her ultra-famous and now we’re waiting to see if she’ll turn into a heroin addict again or if she can actually raise a child (look out, Britney #2).

Brittany Murphy
Maybe it’s Brittany Murphy’s Atlanta, Gerogia roots and her character on “King of the Hill”. Maybe it’s the fading memory of her endearing breakout role in “Clueless”. Maybe it’s because she shares a November 10^th birthday with Warren G, Sinbad, and Eve (though she was born in 1977) but after all the Ashton Kutcher hi-jinks, plastic surgery denials (yeah, right), two failed engagements and a marriage to gross, shady “screenwriter”, Simon Monjack, who people call “Con-Jack”, something keeps her famous.

Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush was a Tournament of Roses Parade Queen in her hometown of Pasadena, California in 2000, three years before “One Tree Hill” made her a household name and six years before she filed for divorce from her costar, Chad Michael Murray, after only five months of marriage, citing “fraud”. Born July 8^th, 1982, Sophia is five years and three months older than the 18 year old Chad moved on to. Burn!

Tyson Beckford

Forget a tree grows in Brooklyn, a fine ass man was born in the Bronx on December 19^th, 1970! Tyson Beckford was first spotted playing in a New York City park in 1991. By 1993, he’d been named The Face of Polo by Ralph Lauren. He’s been one of the world’s top male models ever since. If you need a weekly dose, he’s currently hosting “Make Me a SuperModel” on Bravo, the perfect reminder that models are meant to be seen and not heard.

50 Cent

Get rich or die tryin'? Curtis James Jackson III will take get rich for $440 Million, Alex. In Jamaica, Queens on July 6^th, 1975, the man we’ve come to know and love as 50 Cent was born. Arguably one of the most famous victims in music history (and the second richest rapper behind Jay-Z), he was shot nine times, caught a sales beat down by Kayne West and has lost all 13 times he’s been nominated for a Grammy. But he did teach the world the correct ghetto pronunciation of “Fifty” (it’s fiddy).

Abigail Breslin

Abigail Breslin is the anti-Dakota Fanning. They’re both disarmingly talented but Abigail lacks Dakota’s bizarre, robotic perfection and we adore her for that. We needed a “Little Miss Sunshine” with accessible normalcy and a total lack of self consciousness when busting moves to Rick James. She already had an Oscar nomination by age ten, let’s keep our fingers crossed and see how the little charmer from New York City who was born April 14^th, 1996 fares puberty.

Adam Brody

We wish high school dorks came as cute as Seth Cohen on “The OC”. Maybe it’s only the ones who grew up in San Diego, born on December 15^th, 1979. Oh, Adam Brody what happened? You seemed poised for a major breakout post-OC but, so far, your ex, Rachel Bilson, who jumped (pardon the pun) to Hayden Christensen, carries the title. We want more of your dry, sardonic humor and a reminder of why comic book loving half-Jews are hot. Perhaps if you get cast as The Flash we can fall in love all over again.

Adam Carolla

We can thank the brilliant mind of Philadelphia’s own, Adam Carolla for introducing the world to Juggies; hot, stacked girls who hand out chilled mugs of beer and bounce on trampolines. We listened to him answer questions about masturbation and STDs for years on LoveLine and can always depend on his big toothy mouth to tell it like it is. Crank Yankers was his brainchild. He was born May 27^th, 1964 to a sex therapist mom and psychologist dad. How else was he expected to turn out?

Adam Sandler

If we could write a song about September 9^th, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, when a little comic genius was born, we would. And then we’d have Opera Man sing it. Adam Sandler was integral to some of the best years of SNL and has a string of films that surged way beyond the $100 Million mark, paving the way for Will Ferrell and proving SNL-ers can dominate weekdays too! Plus, he provided the holiday anthem, “The Chanukah Song”. Not too shabby!

Adrian Grenier

Vinnie Chase of HBO's Entourage has the best life ever! How does he manage that when he seems to be constantly screwing up his career, hemorrhaging money and being a pretty crappy actor? Mischa Barton and Jesse Metcalf do it, so I guess it makes sense. As a matter of fact, so does Mr. Vinnie Chase himself, Adrien Grenier. When not acting, the New Mexico native can usually be found making out with a hot chick. Mystifying. Haven't they seen those paparazzi shots of him jogging (shudder, shudder, gag). Maybe his birthday, July 10^th, 1976, is lucky.

Adriana Lima

A lot of Brazilians are hot but Adriana Lima, hailing from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil and born June 12^th, 1981, is smoking, en fuego, extra-dynamo hot! Any man between the ages of 13 and 80 needs "alone time" after the mere mention of her name. Maybelline and Victoria's Secret have been her bread and butter for years but, after her Superbowl commercial, maybe Kleenex should make her their official spokesmodel. Ohhh, did we forget to mention, she claims to still be a virgin. Gadzooks!

Adrien Brody

What was more memorable: Adrien Brody’s stunning performance in "The Pianist" or the moment he swept Halle Berry into his arms for a wet one upon winning the 2002 Oscar for that role? He began his career carving intricately crafted characters in films like
“Summer of Sam”, set in 1977 New York, his hometown just four years after he was born on April 14^th, 1973. Post-Oscar, despite a few films, like “King Kong” and “Hollywoodland”, his mainly been a fixture on the party scene. We anxiously await his next great turn somewhere besides a red carpet.

Al Pacino

When people talk about the greatest actors of all time, Al Pacino is always on the list. Born April 25th, 1940 in the South Bronx, New York, he has turned in some of the most memorable performances of all time including his roles in “Dog Day Afternoon”, “Serpico”, “The Godfather” and “Scarface”. With eight Oscar nominations and one win (Scent of a Woman, 1992), no one does it like Al. He is truly one for the history books. Whoo-ah!

Alec Baldwin

Apparently no one remembers when kids got spanked and didn't talk back to their parents. We do, and we'd take our dad calling us an "ungrateful pig" over getting wacked on the ass and grounded. Alec Baldwin (nee Alexander Rae Baldwin, April 3^rd, 1958, Massapequa, NY) is a comic genius, a smoldering leading man, a Golden Globe winner, an Emmy and Oscar-nominee with a bad rap. People love a scandal and between his messy divorce from Kim Basinger and the "leaked" voicemail, Alec serves it up on a platter but five minutes watching Jack Donaghy on “30 Rock” and all you can remember is how brilliant this man is.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio was born in the small Brazilian town of Erechim on April 11^th, 1981. Trying to prove that models aren’t born perfect, she’s been extremely vocal about having plastic surgery to pin her ears back, the complications that arose from the surgery and why plastic surgery is bad. Honey, you’re stunning, shut up! Let the ugly fatties have whatever surgery they want and need and you keep being a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Currently knocked up, she continues to model in lingerie and bikinis. Ewwwww!

Ali Larter

Who can forget the Whipped Cream bikini scene in Varsity Blues? Who would want to? Model turned teen sensation turned “Heroes” star, Ali Larter is giving Jersey girls a good name (she was born Alison Elizabeth Larter in Cherry Hill, NJ on February 28^th, 1976) by portraying the world’s most famous schizophrenic, Niki/Jessica Sanders. So…when will Niki be rocking that whipped cream bikini? We’re just asking. Please don’t tear up in two!

Alicia Keys

Alicia J. Augello-Cook just didn’t have the right ring to it so the piano prodigy since age seven, born in New York City on January 25^th, 1980 (or 1981 depending on which rumor you like), changed it to Alicia Keys and has been making history ever since. She burst onto the scene with her 2001 album, Songs in A Minor, selling six million copies and winning five Grammys (she’s won 16 in total to date). The Proactiv model and rumored paramour of Common even sang her ass off while Kid Rock and Tommy Lee duked it out for the love of Pam.

Alicia Silverstone

As if! Alicia Silverstone was born on at 3:44pm PDT on October 4, 1976, in San Francisco, California. First she was our "Crush" then she made us "Crazy" for Aerosmith (best music video trilogy EVER!!!) but soon she was "Fat Girl" in the worst of the Batman movies. There was no one more quoted or coveted than Cher from 1995’s “Clueless” but she’s slowly drifted out of sight. A devote vegan and owner of the most downtrodden lips on earth, if nothing else, her weight fluctuations keep us interested.

Alyson Hannigan

Who wouldn't be famous after announcing, "One time, at band camp, I stuck a flute in my...” oh, you know where that bad boy went! Star of “American Pie”, “Buffy”, and “How I met Your Mother”, Alyson (who randomly changed her name from Allison) Hannigan knows how to build a cult following. Born in Washington, DC on March 24^th, 1974, she is also one of the few “American Pie” kids to avoid scandal and continue to work consistently. Tara Reid, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas (who?) can we say the same for you?

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was born April 3^rd, 1986 and raised in Thousand Oaks, California, just a few miles from the sound stages she’d be dominating by age ten on “All That”. She was headlining “The Amanda Show” by age 13 and, by 16, she was carrying “What I Like About You”. An undeniable sensation, she’s dodged the typical child star dysfunction bullet coming across as incredibly grounded, normal and humble, even signing a five year deal to design “Dear”, her affordable collection for Steve and Barry’s. When she says she doesn’t drink and isn’t hitting the clubs, we actually believe her and see her sailing into adulthood with great success. She is the man!

Amanda Peet

Amanda Peet is one of those rare cases where her beauty seems to have worked against her. One of the most underrated actresses of her generation, the New York City native has worked consistently through her twenties (she’s now 36, born January 11^th, 1972) but her biggest claim to fame might be her co-starring role with Ashton Kutcher in "A Lot Like Love" or her supporting role as Matt Damon’s wife in “Syriana”. That was, until she got cast in the X-Files Sequel. After that, she needs to tell “Troy” and “25th Hour” super-scribe, David Benioff, her husband and baby daddy, to write her a plum role!

Omarosa

The Original Reality TV Bitch, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth trumped Trump's self promotion with her own during the premiere season of “The Apprentice”. A small town girl from Youngstown, Ohio, she was born just after Valentine’s Day, February 15^th, 1974, and she’s been fighting for love and attention ever since. Having eecked everything she can out of her 15 minutes (she's turned it into at least 45) she continues to show up all over reality TV, including coming back for "Celebrity Apprentice". Who the hell thinks she's a celebrity besides herself? Tick tock, tick tock…time’s almost up.

America Ferrera

Proving "Real Women Have Curves" and that Ugly is the new pretty, America Ferrera has made a name for herself by championing Hispanics, ugly ducklings not quite to the swan stage, chubby chicks, and those of us who love a rockin' poncho and won't be made to feel bad about it! The youngest of six kids, born April 14^th, 1984 in Los Angeles, California, her “Ugly Betty” won the 2007 SAG, Golden Globe and Emmy Award. She looks like she's losing a little weight but we love her anyway.

Amy Adams

Born August 20^th, 1974 in Aviano, Pordenone, Italy and raised in Castle Rock, Colorado, Amy Adams was one of seven children. It seems fitting that she’s a former Hooters hostess who left when she turned 18 and they wanted her to start wearing the customary outfit. She’s apple pie, cotton candy and Grace Kelly all in one. From "Drop Dead Gorgeous" to her Oscar nominated 2006 role in "Junebug", her genuine innocence and charm pours over you. Watching her sing "Happy Working Song" live at the 2008 Oscars, pure and honest and irony-less, you could practically hear her cell phone ringing with job offers. She's the human mint julep: delightful and refreshing.

Hillary Clinton is Too Legit To Quit

Damn, girl

Sometimes I look at you

And I…I just don’t know what to do with myself

It feels just like it did in 7^th grade

When Erica Landes used to sit next to me in Algebra

And I’d have to walk down the hall with my math book in front of my hammer pants because I didn’t want people to see me pitchin’ a tent.

Ri-ri,

When I look at you, I feel the same way

So I wrote you this song because I know you’ve been feelin’ a little down lately.

From me to you, don’t fear me Baby!

(Sung to the tune of MC Hammer's Classic "Too Legit To Quit")

Too legit... Too legit to quit

Delegates, we’re comin’ from behind(‘hind)

but you know we don’t mind

Girl, just cry harder (Yea!)

than you ever did before

Going for the heartstrings of folks that think you’re cold (frosty)

and you know they’re buyin’ it

and no man will be tryin’ it (Nah!)

‘cause Rodham don't play that

you try to get mine boy

you better step back freeze

(freeze) cause you don't want none

We hustle for the voters and Obama’s lookin’ weak son (Texas)

yea!... Texas and Ohio gonna be the shit
Keep pushing for the nom, cause she’s too legit to quit...sing!...

Chorus (Hillary is pronounced “Hilla-Ray” like Hey Hey)
Too legit...

Too legit to quit

(Hillary)

Too legit...too legit...

Too legit to quit...

(Hillary...)

Too legit... Too legit to quit
(too legit...)

Too legit... too legit to quit...

When you go to vote, yo this race is close

So get her back cause she’ll attack and ‘em hit with a dose

of Clinton power cause she and Bill devour

All these fools who are bitter and sour

We refuse to lose, McCain is just a foo’
Obama is dope but it’s time for Hillary to rule school

DC’s got too many fools in the game who are way too lame

She’s had 35 years to learn how to make change

Cankles, you make fun cause they so big it’s insane

They got so large cause they’re housing some of her brain
Come join with a gal who’s smart, full of wit,

Runs the show and is too legit to quit...sang!

Repeat chorus x2
Chorus to fade

Holy Shit! Apparently, I'm a "Celebrity Chef"!!!!

LA2DAY.COM Celebrates Launch - Party at Hollywood Mansion

By Amanda Cortez - Photos by Lawrence Davis

LA2DAY.COM (www.LA2DAY.com) with Euphora Media Group celebrated the launch of its edgy new look. The virtual lifestyle magazine began with red carpet trend-setters from LA's music, fashion and entertainment scenes and hundreds of guest filled the room that overlooked the famous Sunset Strip.

Celebrity Chef Sasha Perl-Raver in action

















Gourmet appetizers were prepared right in the mansion’s kitchen and we were able to sneek a peek at Celebrity Chef Sasha Perl-Raver in action. Also working hard were the bartenders preparing quench thirsting cocktails using Trago Tequila and Ecstasy Vodka.

The crowd was groovin to hypnotic beats from six of Hollywood’s hottest DJ's and walked away with fabulous gift bags containing OPI nail polish, Alterna hair care products, Lisa Confetti Jewelry gift certificates, a Beyond Bob CD, various Chakra Balance products by Ascension Products (www.balancemychakras.com), Jackie Chan's XGT Green Tea Energy Drink Mix "Tea with a Kick" and LA2DAY.COM custom notepads.

The appetizers came and went



















Celebrities in attendance included CBS’ Bold & The Beautiful star Ashley Jones, CBS’ Young & The Restless star Kate Linder, Actress Lorielle New, Actress Venus DeMilo Thomas, Actor Christopher DeBlasio, Model Skyyla, Producer Lawrence Davis, Award-winning Music Producer Michael Lloyd, America Talks Fashion Host Marty Israel, Celebrity Stylist Bernard G. Jacobs, former Denver Broncos player Dennis Smith, Actor Robert Trebor, Actor Clement Von Frankenstein, Musical Group 2nd Day Crush, The Perfect Victim’s Jeff D’Agostino and Musical Group Elevaters with Actor Sam Golzari.

LA2DAY.COM goes behind the Hollywood spotlight to showcase the unknown talents and undiscovered treasures of Los Angeles. After going online in beta form in 2006, the Internet magazine will reveal its revamped look on March 1, 2008. In addition to commemorating the website’s new design, the launch party also introduced LA2DAY.COM’s Sunset Mansion (www.AtSunset.com). Aside from serving as the headquarters for the website and its media ventures, the multi-level home is also available for photo shoots, private parties, business conferences and special events.

The sweet corner














CEO and Founder Tim Verbeek says, "Moving into the Mansion is the perfect way for LA2DAY.COM to step up its game and literally put itself on the map,” “The location and hosting opportunities will expose our brand to even more readers and advertisers, and the party's a perfect way to kick off our next phase."

LA2DAY.COM highlights everything from local restaurants and hotels to art, nightlife, technology, fashion, music and movies. Providing sophisticated and in-depth articles, the site’s energetic editorial staff is made up of approximately 40 LA natives with an eclectic range of expertise. Ranging from comedians to former LA Times contributors, the diverse writing team delivers edgy, opinionated first-person perspectives on various events around LA - not through the perspective of starry-eyed tourists, but from those who call the city home.

Goodies for the guest

The Waffle, Breakfast (and Awesome Fries) Is Served

From the man who launched the careers of Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, and Amy Adams, we now bring you…Breakfast?

That’s right, John Papsidera, one of the most influential casting directors in Hollywood decided to branch out, so he opened a restaurant serving everything the starlets he auditions would never eat in a million years. And it’s delicious! Introducing, The Waffle, which had a quiet soft-opening on Friday and already has the town buzzing.

The Waffle features a dazzling array of both savory and sweet waffles, comfort food classics, vegetarian revamps of typically meat-filled favorites and some of the best damn fries you’ll have in years, all served in a lofty, super mod diner that feels like an overblown version of the Brady Bunch house. Settle in to one of the expansive but cozy booths, sidle up to the counter, or grab a seat in the upstairs lounge which offers a full bar, cute barkeep and incredible comfort, and get ready to unbutton those jeans.

Keeping in mind that they just opened and there are always a few kinks as any newbie works to find their footing, they might want to change their name from Waffle to “Okay Waffles but Really Really Good Everything Else”.

You want it gooey? The Sticky Bun Waffle topped with Brown Sugar Glaze, cinnamon and pecans is good but a bit too cinnamon-y and cloying. You want them healthy? They’ve got Multi-Grain or Gluten Free, neither offering anything exceptional beyond knowing you tried to be sensible and conscientious. You want it with meat? The Applewood Smoked Bacon Waffle is served with bits both baked into the batter and scattered across the top, though the bacon needed to be crisper inside the waffle. What about some ingenuity with a Cornmeal Jalepeno with Breaded Chicken, Smothered Greens and your choice of Sawmill white gravy or brown gravy waffle? Sounds awesome...they were “out” when I tried to order it.

Here’s the issue: If you name your restaurant after a single food you better bring your A Game.

Across the board, the main descriptive was “Dry”. They were all good but the waffles at Waffle lack the fluffy cloud essence that is sought in the Belgian experience. It should be noted; their signature syrup (which is dense, thick and delicious) pools on top of the waffle but isn’t absorbed. The varieties are great but perhaps they need to reduce the heat or cooking time in order to deliver a waffle with the angel wing lightness one might expect (especially when paying a premium price, waffles are $8 dollars and up).

However, moving deeper into the menu, homeruns abound! The care they offer vegetarians and vegans is remarkable and the execution is stellar. The Vegan Rueben (which I ordered with real turkey instead of Tofurkey and they happily obliged) is buttery, saurkrauty, gooey, grilled perfection. Served with a side of Waffle’s sublime cross cut, well seasoned fries, it was instantly addictive and I’m already counting the days until I get to enjoy another one after a movie at the Arclight. The veggie chili and Un-BLT also deserve praise. On a meatier note, Chicken Pot Pie is another stand out, making you rue all that time you wasted with Marie Callendar. Hash Browns are served in a number of tantalizing ways including with smoked salmon or corned beef hash or smothered in gravy.

The Waffle is like a new born colt, long limbed and wobbly, a bit too much going on to know what to do with itself. Given more time, I believe we’ll have a Stallion trotting out delectable meals 22 hours a day and giving LA yet another restaurant to call home away from home in the vein of The Griddle, Fred 62, Café 101 and, if they can get the irons in check, Roscoe’s.

The Waffle

6255 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-465-6901

Sun-Thu: 6am-2am
Fri-Sat: 6am-4am

Entertain Your Mouth with the Best Pre-Grove Movie Eats

LA is a movie town. Everyone is either working on one, writing one, trying to be in one, on their way to see one or all of the above. It’s a wonder we have any time to eat! If you’re heading to a movie at The Grove (as it seems 99 percent of LA’s population does every weekend) you don’t have to settle for plain ol’ popcorn and Goobers as your dinner substitute. Check out these gems instead!

Welcome to The Grove or, as I like to call it, American Euro-Disney for Adults. As an outdoor mall, getting food isn’t an issue, I mean, hell, who doesn’t want to wait an hour and 15 minutes for a table at the Cheesecake Factory? But for those in a rush, on a budget, or in need of something with a little more pizzazz, the Grove has wonderful offerings.

Let us not forget, LA’s historic Farmer’s Market is right next door. Whether you’re jonesing for crepes (French Crepe Company, sweet or savory, they are masterful crepe makers), brilliant Brazillian BBQ (Pampas grill, filled with garlicy, smokey goodness!), or a good ol’ Chipotle burrito (http://www.la2day.com/dining/tell_mens_health_to_suck_an_egg_chipotle_is_the_best_burrito_ever_made), they’ve got it. But the newer mall has treasures for your mouth too.

The All-American Sausage Co. serves up combos that include crisp fries, kosher sausage sandwiches and a drink. Chicken cilantro, Spicy turkey Italian, all Beef, Smoked Apple, take your pick, they’re all scrumptious especially when stacked onto a toasty roll and smothered in your choice of toppings. Just the mention has my mouth watering for a spicy Cajun dog drenched in mustard before piles of sauerkraut, lettuce, tomato and pickles are heaped onto warm, crusty bread. Best of all, the Grove allows you to bring your perfect movie meal into the theater to enjoy while you watch “Step Up 2”!!!

For those who crave a post-theater meal, Morels, the occasionally stuffy and slow French bistro, serves up a stunning Smoked Salmon Flat Bread Pizza. It’s ravishing! Fluffy, crisp dough rises up under a gooey layer of crème fraiche, beaten egg and Emmanthal cheese then topped with sweet caramelized onions, punchy capers and large pieces of fresh salmon. I don’t get the “Smoked” part of the pizza title but it’s a minor snafu happily overlooked because this pizza is psychotically addictive and perfect for a post-movie discussion arriving on a white platter, almost two feet long and able to feed 2-3 people.

If you happen to be heading to The Arclight (ain’t you fancy?) instead of the Grove, two words: Caramel Corn!!! There is no better sugary treat in the city of Los Angeles and if you eat it with Junior Mints, it tastes like a Candy Cane! Now that’s good eatin’!

The Grove
189 The Grove Drive (Fairfax and 3^rd)
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Mon–Thurs: 10am–9pm
Fri–Sat: 10am–10pm
Sun: 11am–8pm

www.thegrovela.com/dining

If you decide to bring your own treats to the movie theater, why not make some old fashion Popcorn Balls? The best thing about them is you can add your favorite candy for a one stop snackable. Delicioso! Almost as tasty as Robert Hoffman.

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 Bag Popped popcorn

1 Bag Mini Marshmallows)

6 Tablespoons Butter

(optional) M&M’s (peanut, regular, etc etc), Reese’s Pieces, chopped Snickers, Twix, whatever you’re favorite Movie candy may be, chopped into bite sized pieces if necessary.

1. Grease large piece of wax paper, aluminium foil or a cookie sheet with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Spread popped corn evenly onto greased surface.

3. Melt Marshmallows and Butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat.

4. Pour melted marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix to coat evenly.

5. Allow to cool slightly.

6. Once it’s cool enough to handle, sprinkle with any additional movie time treats (if using).

7. Grease hands with butter or non-stick spray.

8. Form popcorn/candy/marshmallow mixture into balls.

9. Enjoy!!!

Heidi Montag and SuperFan take you "Higher"

When I'm not writing about food, I write and produce web content.

This is my latest video, an ode to Heidi Montag (from "The Hills") HO-rendous music video, craptastic music stylings and Spencer Pratt's visionary direction.

Enjoy...

Mariage Freres, 150 years of the Best Tea in the World

Padding down a rain slicked cobble stone street one dreary afternoon in Paris, the drizzle suddenly becomes a torrent and you find yourself sans umbrella, newspaper or tarp. Massive rain drops assault you like soaking wet little bombs, the air raid siren in your head goes off. Shelter, you must find shelter! You push open the first inviting door you find and let out a slightly damp sigh of relief.

But look around and notice what good fortune you had. You’re standing in a small square room on an old wood floor that sags slightly under your weight. Three walls of the room, from floor to ceiling, are lined with large black lacquer urns, meticulously labeled with gold paint. Busy, beautiful, milling Parisians dressed in black linen mandarin collar jackets and loose pants work behind the counter gathering orders, pulling urns off the wall, darting to and fro. Taking a deep breath, the smell of vanilla and rose and bergamot shimmies its way happily up your nose. Is this some exotic perfumery? Nope, it’s Mariage Freres, the best tea shop in France (and, some say, the best tea in the world).

Perhaps you’ve seen the tea for sale at some ridiculously over priced specialty shop. The outside looks like a Louis Vuitton purse, the inside is lined with gold. This shop is where that tea is born. Nicolas Mariage began importing tea in 1660 (he provided it to such finicky sippers as King Louis XIV, not too shabby). His family continued the business and opened the shop you have just entered in 1854. Surrounding you are 500 tea varieties that the Mariage Family have perfected in that time. You can visit their Musee du The for more of the history of both the family and tea but, before you do, there’s a Salon du The to be visited.

The Salon is just a few steps away from the room you first entered but you feel like you’re miles away. Light wood, white linens, streaming warm light (from where, no one knows since it’s still raining outside), and banana palms welcome you. It feels like a colonial mansion in 1920’s Africa or India. The menu offers light, delicious, sublimely prepared food all of which is paired with (what else?) tea that is carefully selected by the tea sommelier who is more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Allow yourself to be transported sip by sip, bite by bite and recognize just how good something can be when you take over 150 years to perfect it.

Mariage Freres

30 r du Bourg-Tibourg, 4eme
Paris (France)
01 42 72 28 11

www.mariagefreres.com

Buddha Bar-Paris

New York, LA, and Vegas have all tried to recreate the magic but no one has been able to do what Paris did. Inspiration to a hundred imitators (Tao, I’m talking to you!), birthplace of the grooviest CD’s west of the Seine, home to all that glitters in the City of Lights, Buddha Bar continues to reign supreme over nightlife the world over.

Situated behind the Hotel de Crillon, another gem in the Parisian crown, this one made even more famous as the hotel featured in the finale of “Sex and the City”, you will find a tall wrought iron gate. Whether it’s meant to keep out party crashers or rather attempt to confine the party inside, this is the looking glass you step through.

Once inside, a giant two story sleeping Buddha greets you, a paradigm of calm in the middle of a writhing, rollicking room of worldly revelers. Candles flicker, brass dragons dance on the walls, the entire place is a chic Chinese New Year parade meets a moonlit rave in Thailand all sponsored by Veuve Clicquot and styled by Karl Lagerfeld. Equipped with several levels and wrap around balconies, Buddha Bar invites you to see and be seen with people-watching reaching the level of a big game hunt inside these walls.

The safari is best conducted from one of the many alcoves and small seating areas on the mezzanine/bar level where you can enjoy table service table and, yes, they serve Asian cuisine that is adequate but far beneath what you’d find at a brasserie around the corner. The food isn’t why you’re here. The scene, the décor, the energy, the potential to see Naomi Campbell pelting someone with a martini…THAT is why you’re here. Eat before you arrive. But if you need a drink to take the edge off and didn’t have the juice to secure a table, be prepared for a bit of a battle. The bar itself is not that large, usually very crowded and the walk to it is rather treacherous, especially for those perched in high heels, as you’re forced up and down and over a few uneven surfaces.

As the night wears on, the exuberance of the room grows; the music intensifying as the beautiful crowd enjoys pricey cocktails. All too soon you find yourself back in the Parisian night having bid the Buddha a fond farewell. If you can’t bear the thought of leaving, you can buy a bit of the bar; CD’s and surprisingly fashionable t-shirts are on sale as you exit. Who says you can’t take it with you?

8, Rue Boissy d'Anglas
75008 Paris, France
+33 1 53 05 90 00

www.buddha-bar.com

Cipriani, The Very Best in Venice

Venice is famous for a number of things: The Bridge of Sighs, Carnival, gondolas rowed by men in striped shirts…but one thing will earn a greater place of honor in your heart than any of those: the Bellini at Cipriani.

Cipriani, the famed hotel situated across the water from St. Mark’s Square, is one of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive. It’s also one of the most expensive. For those of us who can’t possibly fathom a $900 a night hotel room (and that’s for the smaller ones), the Cipriani has a few other amenities that are just as memorable but far more affordable.

First, the Bellini! Sipped at sunset, watching the lingering light tickle Venice pink, it is an experience not to be missed. This drink was created 1943 at Harry's Bar (part of the Cipriani and famously frequented by Hemingway) in honor of the painter Geovani Bellini. Giuseppi Cipriani was the inventor, leaving an imbibable legacy that demands reverence and honor. The original recipe was made with fresh pureed white peaches and just a hint of raspberry or cherry juice to give the drink a pink glow. Here’s how to make a Cipriani Bellini:

2/3 cup white peach puree
1 teaspoon raspberry puree
1 bottle chilled Italian sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Asti Spumante Brut

Place 1 1/2 tablespoons puree in the bottom of each flute and add 2 - 3 drops of the raspberry puree. Add sparkling wine and serve.

Second, Cip’s Club, the more casual dining establishment within the Cipriani compound which sits on a dock facing Venice. The view is unrivaled! And the Il "Fritoin" di pesce e zucchine, salsa al rafano (Fried seafood with fried zucchini, horseradish sauce), or “Fritto Misto”, is a lesson in why Italy in renowned for its cuisine.

Finally, even if you can’t stay at the hotel, you can spend the afternoon there sipping Bellinis and floating in the only swimming pool in Venice. Filled with filtered sea water and heated to a constant 80 degrees, the water is like almost everything else in Italy, and especially at the Cipriani; warm, inviting, luxuriant, and addictive.

Ristorante Cantinone Storico,

Ristorante Cantinone Storico sits inconspicuously on a canal between the Accademia Bridge and the Guggenheim Museum. A lively outdoor seating area calls to you as you make your way over one of Venice’s innumerable stone bridges. Settle into a canal side outdoor table where the chimes of bells from one of the local churches provide the soundtrack to your meal. Tables inside are charming as well. The atmosphere is cozy and warm and the chef is more likely to duck out of the kitchen, come to your table and proclaim what your order should be. That isn’t to say you’re safe from a culinary assault being seated outside but the chef’s access is slightly more limited.
An attentive (and shockingly attractive) staff provides exemplary service throughout the meal. They don’t pander or condescend. There’s none of that touristy “Its-a so nice to have-a you in our ristorante”, like they’re quoting “Lady and The Tramp”. The entire staff seems genuinely dedicated to providing you with a comfortable, welcoming, delightful dining experience. They understand that eating is an art form and this meal will be their canvas.
Masterpieces flow from the kitchen continuously. Gnocchi with gorgonzola is al dente, airy, and creamy. Vegetable risotto with fresh porcini mushrooms is woodsy, meaty (without any meat), and refreshing all at once. Tuna carpaccio, delicate and buttery, looking like thin slices of watermelon, is served with peppery arugula. Mixed seafood antipasto, cheese platters featuring gorgonzola, belle paese and reggiano parmesano, prosciutto and melon, the kitchen whips up classic Italian fare with exacting attention to flavor and execution.
No dish better showcases this masterful than the lasagna. Lighter and more flavorful than could possibly be expected, there’s no Stouffer’s around here, thankfully, and each forkful resuscitates a dish typically relegated to cafeterias. Who knew lasagna could be this good? Did you know you’re actually supposed to taste something besides congealed cheese when you take a bite? When lasagna is done well you actually bite through layers of fluffy ricotta, slow simmered tomato sauce, thin ribbons of al dente pasta and a multitude of other seasonings and ingredients. Shocking but true!
Raise a glass of Chianti in its honor and enjoy another bite in this gallery of cuisine.
Ristorante Cantinone Storico
Dorsoduro, 660/661
30123 - Venezia (VE) Italia
Tel. 041.5239577

Peggey Guggenheim, The Grand Dame of Venice

Pollack and Picasso and Dali, Oh My!

Peggy Guggenheim was a wild woman! She was outrageous, flamboyant, eccentric, and, most of all, she had fabulous taste. Known for having a herd of exotic lap dogs, a personal chauffeured gondola, a penchant for Calder like earrings and the funkiest sunglasses this side of Bootsy Collins, a glimpse of her lifestyle and her impressive collection of art are both preserved in the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice.

Peggy called the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni her home and filled it with the works of artists she loved, often befriended and always championed. After deciding to open a museum, she proceeded to put herself on an art regime which required her to purchase a piece a day. Among other acquisitions, ten Picassos, forty Ernsts, eight Miros, four Magrittes, three Man Rays (whom she’d posed for earlier in his career), six Pollacks, three Dalis, and one Chagall all became part of the Peggy Guggenheim collection.

Together with the Gianni Mattioli Collection and the Nasher Sculpture Garden, her former home is now one of the world’s premiere Modern Art museums. All the great American and European artists of the first half of the 20th Century are featured, owed entirely to Peggy’s innovative vision and early embrace of surrealism, abstract impressionism and cubism. Guggenheim, who was a patron to all things avant-garde, could always spot enormous potential.

Just as impressive as the collection, is the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. It is a gem on the Grand Canal which was the source of much envy in the city of Venice. In classic Peggy Guggenheim fashion, she placed a large bronze statue, “Angel of the City” by Marino Marini, in front of the palazzo, facing the canal. The statue is of a naked man riding a horse. His arms are spread wide in triumph, his tongue is sticking out, and he has a large brass erection. Originally, the penis was designed to be detachable to spare nuns, young ladies or clergy from being embarrassed. However, after several detachable versions were stolen in the night, a new member was welded on and the “Angel” is now in a constant state of arousal.

You wouldn’t expect anything less from a woman who was a lover of artistic freedom, passionate expression and titillating gossip.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Dorsoduro, 704
0039 041.2405411
www.guggenheim-venice.it