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

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!!!