by Dennis Richardson | Apr 27, 2022
The Habit Burger Grill, known for their delicious burgers and other menu offerings, has launched a new, tasty limited-time offer: The Cubano Char. In classic Habit form, they’ve put together a combo of incredulous flavor that was at some point in time, probably unthinkable!
Debuting April 20th for a limited time, The Habit’s Cubano Char will take your taste buds on an adventure of the Caribbean’s most mouthwatering sandwich.
True to The Habit’s creative culinary culture, the Cubano Charburger features a crave-worthy mix of classic chargrilled flavor with flavorful Cuban-inspired additions. Handcrafted between a toasted Brioche bun, the Cubano Charburger is layered with mustard-grilled honey ham, two slices of melty cheese and zesty mustard atop The Habit’s signature seasoned chargrilled patty, giving guests a unique blend of flavors and textures all in one satisfying bite.
The deliciousness of a Cubano on its own is enough to bring you tears, as with a Charburger. To see them combine into one item may just break your tastebuds into bliss. Get it while you can!
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 26, 2022
Platform LA, known for their phenomenal pop-ups from beloved brands, has a new guest who deserves all of the attention! LA-based, cult-favorite brand DONNI, opened their pop-up shop at the colorful market in Culver City, on Friday, April 15th!
DONNI at Platform marks the brand’s first in-person retail experience since 2019, and will be open to the public through May 15th. With “The last two years have been huge for DONNI’s growth, as the pandemic’s work-from-home and comfort-forward culture led people to organically discover our brand, and ultimately identify us as one that puts comfort first, while still allowing you to feel put together. We’re excited to continue that growth into 2022, kicking off our first in-person retail experience (since 2019!) with a pop-up at Platform in Culver City, that will also showcase DONNI’s ongoing evolution into more tailored, ready-to-wear pieces,” says Alyssa Wasko, Founder & Designer of DONNI. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, DONNI makes a great gift choice with their wide-ranging selection.
As a very locally-oriented brand, with the entirety of their product line designed and produced in Los Angeles, DONNI has always placed an added emphasis on cultivating their LA community and connecting in as many ways as possible. With the shifting social climate and return of in-person retail following COVID-19 shutdowns, DONNI is eager to engage their customers in a fully branded environment, allowing them to experience the brand’s new collection beyond a digital or social media experience.
Featuring their first-ever line of basics, as well as freshly elevated and tailored styles that will launch DONNI outside of their usual loungewear space and into more ready-to-wear territory, Wasko feels it’s incredibly important to provide their community with the opportunity to touch, feel and try-on the brand’s new SS22 Collection in-person. A fabric-focused and comfort-driven brand, DONNI is thrilled to offer a physical retail space where customers can truly understand the fit and overall style of each piece.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 25, 2022
4/20 may have come and gone, but cannabis edibles leader Kiva Confections aren’t done with the hits yet! Continuing to expand their lineup of guilt-free, feel-good deliciousness, Lost Farm by Kiva has partnered up with music artist and 2x Grammy winner, SAINt JHN to create a limited-time, can’t-miss collaborative edible.
Flavored and dosed to provide a mouth watering and tropical punch, the live resin edibles, as found under the Kiva’s Live Resin product line, lives up to the standard of being a vegan and live resin edible for the seasoned cannabis consumer.
Since launching in 2020, Kiva’s Live Resin Lost Farm products have been a staple in SAINt JHN’s bag, playing a major role in his creative process, whether it be listening to the music he just made, creating in the studio, or winding down after a live show. He even has his day to day team keep extra on them just in case he leaves his at home! So, for the brand, bringing on SAINt JHN as a partner was a no brainer.
The first release, Dragon Fruit x Grape Pie Cookies Lost Farm Gummies, is layered with natural flavors of dragon fruit and infused with the heavenly strain of Grape Pie Cookies. SAINt JHN handpicked the Indica-dominant strain known for its irresistible aroma, reminiscent of freshly baked goods. The flavors of bright, juicy, dragon fruit and sweet pomegranate are underscored with mild, gassy Grape Pie Cookies’ notes, bookending the gummy bite dosed at 10mg of THC per gummy piece, with a total of 100 mg per container.
The playful pairing is boldly matched with complimentary fruit flavors, resulting in a dynamic live resin-infused edible bursting with a full-bodied flavor and full-bodied high. The Dragon Fruit x Grape Pie Cookies Gummy will be available in select California dispensaries and Kiva Direct on April 25th while supplies last.
by Niki Smart | Apr 23, 2022
BODIES 2.0: The Universe Within Exhibition Opens on the Third Street Promenade
Exhibit features the first ever virtual reality experience that takes you INSIDE the body in full 360! On view through October 15, 2022
Image provided courtesy of EMS Entertainment.
WHAT: The renowned traveling science exhibition returns to Southern California with BODIES 2.0: The Universe Within, now open on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Presented by EMS Entertainment, BODIES 2.0 offers an unprecedented and entirely unique view into the amazing human body, showcasing over 200 actual human specimens, whole bodies and organs respectfully displayed.
Did you ever wonder how the human body is composed and put together? Have you ever wanted to understand how the conservation process of specimens works? BODIES 2.0 will get you the answers to both of these questions in a surprising, jaw-dropping and spectacular way. As an entirely new specialty, BODIES 2.0 makes the human body explorable through a virtual reality ride that takes visitors into the inside of a human body for a closer look at the inner self. This seven minute immersive experience uses VR headsets and is offered at a small extra charge. Come explore, experience and celebrate the wonder of the human form at BODIES 2.0., on display through October 15, 2022.
WHEN: The exhibition is on view through October 15, 2022; open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Santa Monica Art Museum, 1219 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
TICKETS: Advance tickets are encouraged. Book online through BodiesSantaMonica.com.
All tickets include a free Audio and Video Guide to download.
TICKET RATES: General Admission
** VR upgrade: $8.00
VIP Admission
** All VIP Tickets include the exhibition catalog
CONTENT ADVISORY: Please be advised, the content of this exhibition can be of strong emotional impact to visitors.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 18, 2022
April is a loaded month, and Daring Foods have partnered with Ronnie’s Kitchen to pack it up even more! From 4/20 to Coachella, and everything else in-between, here’s what foodies have to look for in this vegan chicken-alternative collaboration.
DARING x RONNIE’S KITCHEN
Ronnie’s Kitchen + Cocktails is the neighborhood’s new all-American comfort food hangout. This brick-and-mortar Hollywood restaurant, in the former Delancey space, at 5936 Sunset Boulevard brings together everything we love about a night out with friends. The everyday New American gastropub’s menu includes the chef’s cult-favorite Kickin’ spicy fried chicken, as well as a slate of gourmet chain restaurant classics.
Ronnie’s is partnering with
Daring, the plant chicken with a simple ingredient list and perfect flavor and texture, to create 3 plant-based creations that vegans and carnivores alike will love.
Those menu items include:
Daring Foods “Sweet Chick” Sandwich
Daring Plant Chicken on a vegan potato bun dressed with an agave Buffalo sauce made in house and topped with house-made ranch and dill pickles.
Daring Foods Chicken Sandwich
Daring Plant Chicken on a vegan potato bun with cilantro slaw, spiced mayonnaise, and dill pickles.
Daring Foods Loaded Fries
Daring Plant Chicken Pieces, french fries, house-made pickles, coleslaw
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 15, 2022
Continuing the limited-edition releases for 4/20, everyone’s favorite cannabis-infused social tonic, Cann, has released a new special flavor: Blue Rhuberry. Cann has tapped into none other than actor and celebrity investor Adam Devine for a special collaboration!
With rhubarb, raspberry, and butterfly pea tea, this limited-edition flavor offers the delicious, elevated version of the nostalgic Blue Razz flavor with 5mg of THC. Never had butterfly pea tea? It’s a magical liquid steeped from butterfly pea flowers, full of nutritional and health benefits, while also taking on a magical and unforgettable blue hue. If you ever doubted it before, Cann cares!
With a microdose of cannabis (2mg THC and 4mg CBD), Cann is the perfect product for any cannabis novices looking to celebrate the ‘high holiday.’ Not sold yet?
For the first time, Cann is launching a cannabis free, “Dry Boy” version (no THC) that will be available for purchase nationwide. So whether you dabble in cannabis or not, you can enjoy the refreshing, unique flavor.
Cann is the #1 fastest growing THC-infused beverage to date, as well as the drink of choice among many other A-list celebs including Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rebel Wilson, and more (who have all invested in the brand). Not a stoner? Neither is Cann – each beverage is designed to deliver an uplifting, social buzz without ever taking you over the edge. One of the best qualities behind the social tonic is that unlike chewable consumable cannabis products, Cann sets in within minutes, and subsides much cleaner than its alcohol-based opponents.
Cann can be enjoyed back-to-back with no hangover, making everyone happy! Buy your limited-edition Blue Rhuberry Canns while you… can.
by Anthony Stafford | Apr 14, 2022
Coachella’s nearly here and the weather’s heating up. That can only mean one thing: Chamberlain Coffee and Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream are pairing up to release a magical solution to all that could possibly ail us. Cold, caffeinated refreshment anyone?
Following the success of the Gen Z coffee brand’s ice cream truck pop-up with celeb hot spot Craig’s last summer, the two beloved brands will be teaming up again and taking their partnership to the desert this weekend with vegan ice cream for Coachella!
During both weekends of the festival, coffee and ice cream lovers alike will be able to stop by a pop-up on-site in The Rose Garden and the VIP food and beverage booth to enjoy a brand new flavor from Craig’s and Chamberlain Coffee: vegan coffee ice cream!
In additional news, Chamberlain Coffee just recently launched a chocolate and coffee lover’s new favorite snack!
Made with whole roasted espresso beans, the brand’s latest product launch is the ultimate midday snack that’s so good, you’ll want a never-ending supply! Perfect for sweet tooth chocolate cravings and paired with a little caffeine “pick me up” to get you through the day, it’s the perfect bite-sized desktop indulgence to keep around.
The espresso beans, which are available in the US only, are available in both milk and dark chocolate so you can switch it up based on your preference. No matter how you prefer your Chamberlain Coffee or Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream, the options are only increasing. What will they think of next?
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 13, 2022
Community and representation mean everything, and Carter’s is no stranger to that.
In 2020, Carter’s commissioned a multi-phase research program with a goal of developing relatable messaging to speak to each of its consumer audiences. At the time, the company’s emphasis was on product promotions and it wanted to connect more emotionally with customers. This led to thorough segmentation work that began early last year, which helped to inform recent multicultural campaigns, including ‘Fun is back in style’ last summer – and now, this new campaign.
‘Es Para Ti’ (‘It’s For You’) speaks to the Latinx or Latiné community’s experience and belief in family coming first, with family at the center of the most meaningful moments in our lives. The upbeat ad captures the energy of a large multigenerational family gathering celebrating multiple kids’ birthdays. ‘It’s for partying, it’s for playing, it’s for being with family. Most of all, it’s made for you. Es para ti.’
The creative will appear on display, OLV and CTV and will run for 6 weeks in :30 and :15 formats. Sample Spanish language publishers that will run the creative include People en Español, Hola.com, and Telemundo, with English language publishers running the creative too. You can learn more at Carter’s Es Para Ti landing page.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 13, 2022
April brings more than showers! Okay, maybe not necessarily for SoCal, but there are two incredible reasons to dine out this month. This April kicked off Autism Awareness Month and Dine LA, supporting the local restaurant community. What can you get into?
From April 1st – 15th, TAO LA and Beauty and Essex Los Angeles are participating in DineLA, offering $65 (per person) three-course prix fixe menus, including some of TAO LA and Beauty & Essex’s most popular dishes:
Beauty and Essex Los Angeles will be serving fan-favorite dishes including the Little French Dips with horseradish aioli, gruyere, and au jus, as well as the Half Roasted Chicken with a spiced carrot purée, crispy kale, and a green onion chimichurri. For dessert, guests can choose between the White Chocolate Pot de Crème with a strawberry compote. Reservations can be made here.
On the other hand, TAO LA will be offering diners popular dishes like the Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Rice to start, as well as the Honey Glazed Salmon as an entree, and the Bread Pudding Doughnuts as a dessert. Make your reservations here.
Tao Group Hospitality restaurants across the country will also honor Autism Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month by offering menu specials and making an $80,000 donation to local and national autism spectrum disorder-focused charities.
Led by Chief Culinary Officer Chef Ralph Scamardella, for the seventh year the group will turn their most popular desserts — including Beauty & Essex’s ‘Signature Dessert Wonder Wheel’ — blue (the color of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) awareness), in addition to creating unique savory menu specials such as Seared A5 Miyazaki Wagyu with truffle chimichurri, at TAO LA.
Tao Group Hospitality has long been a supporter of Autism awareness and recently became the first international restaurant group to become sensory inclusive. This initiative in partnership with KultureCity has made all US and UK-based TGH restaurants more accommodating for all guests with sensory issues including individuals with autism, anxiety, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, this year Chef Ralph Scamardella was honored by Autism Speaks for his leadership, partnership and philanthropy in support of the autism community.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 13, 2022
In classic Grillo’s fashion, the collaborations just keep coming! This time around, a cult-favorite flavor for chip enthusiasts has arrived: Classic Dill Pickle flavor!
Fresh, crispy, and salty, Grillo’s Pickles announced the limited-time only snack launch on April 12th. This new collaboration gives their cult-favorite pickles a crunchier bite. Partnering with Pennsylvania’s own chip brand Utz®, the Grillo’s x Utz pickle-flavored potato chip launches as the new crave-worthy bite.
The Grillo’s Pickles x Utz limited edition chip is the first collaboration for the duo, tackling two snack groups with a loyal and devoted following. “I would eat Utz chips and a Grillo’s spear while working the pickle cart so to have two of the best snacks available collaborate is a dream come true,” says Eddie Andre, Grillo’s Director of Brand Experience.
“We are excited to work with Grillo’s Pickles,” said Bill Blubaugh, SVP Marketing & Communications, Utz Brands, Inc., “As we work to bring innovation and excitement to our brand fans, our new Utz & Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle flavored potato chips will deliver with big and bold flavor! They are crispy,
crunchy, and delicious — fans will love them.”
The new Utz & Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle flavored potato chips are available in leading retailers (Target, Walmart, etc.) and online for a limited-time-only, so act quickly! They are available in 2.625 oz On-the-Go and 7.75 oz Take-Home sizes and come with suggested retail prices of $2.19 and $4.29, respectively. For more information about Grillo’s visit www.GrillosPickles.com or on Instagram at @GrillosPickles #grillospickles.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 13, 2022
No matter the season, it’s nice to get out to the beach, lake, river, or whatever body of water you enjoy. But once you’ve finished splashing around for a bit, you’re bound to need three things: warmth, dryness, and a change of clothes. Meet dryrobe, the very first of its kind!
dryrobe has created the first weather-proof, versatile changing robe to make changing outside warm and easy. The brand first launched in the UK by surfer Gideon Bright, who personally had a difficult time finding durable outerwear that kept him warm and comfortable in all weather conditions.
Making their debut in the U.S. market, dryrobe is the original dressing robe that started the phenomenon for surfers, snowboarders and skiers, swimmers, outdoor enthusiasts and more!
The brand’s hero robe, the dryrobe Advance, is a unisex dressing robe for both adults and children, available in short and long sleeve lengths, and made using 100% recycled nylon. Created with athletes in mind, dryrobe Advance has been designed and tested to stand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle, cold conditions and any challenges one may face.
Helping to maintain your core temperature, it also wicks water away from your skin in order to dry you quicker after any water activity. And that’s not all! dryrobe’s additional benefits include:
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell fabric made from 100% recycled nylon
- Super-warm synthetic lambswool lining made from 100% recycled polyester
- Tailored, fitted sleeves with hook and loop fasteners at the wrist
- Treated with eco-friendly BIONIC-FINISH® ECO water-repellent technology
- Full length 2-way reversible YKK® zip
- Minimal sealed seam construction
- Deep, fleece-lined external zip pockets
- Huge ‘A4’ size internal, soft-lined ‘poacher’ pocket
- Internal waterproof zip entry pocket – ideal for phone/wallet
- Super light construction – approx 1.3kg (dependant on size)
It’s an all-season package that just keeps on giving. Perfect for any time of year, dryrobe is a great gift for the surfers, swimmers, and general water-lovers in your life.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 13, 2022
With Spring Break upon us and Summer not far behind, there’s one thing that many people of all ages have searched high and low for: the hangover cure. From old wives tales and urban myths, people have gone to incredible lengths to prevent alcohol’s worst side effects, and now a fix is here in official capacity.
Sober Rush, a gaming-changing new remedy from Fulgent Life, a Southern California biotech company, was developed at the UCLA Cancer Center and is different from any other remedy. While it is widely believed that dehydration is the primary cause of hangovers and that hydrating is the key to alleviating one’s symptoms, the true cause of discomfort is the build-up of a toxic byproduct of alcohol called acetaldehyde (AH-SEE-DAL-DEE-HIDE). Sober Rush is taken before your first drink and again optionally (if your consumption has been heavy) after your last one. It uses a coenzyme called NADH that is naturally present in the body to activate the break-down of acetaldehyde.
Available in supplement form, here’s how the scientists break it down:
· When you consume alcohol, your liver uses an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase to break the ethanol down to acetaldehyde – a chemical that is up to 30x more toxic to the body than ethanol itself.
· Acetaldehyde is what causes most hangovers. Our research has shown that this chemical is potentially carcinogenic, which is even more reason to try to help your body eliminate it quickly.
· Another enzyme produced by the liver is acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This enzyme takes the toxic acetaldehyde and turns it into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
· Sober Rush helps speed up the metabolization of acetaldehyde in the liver, by up to three times so that after only four hours, the toxic acetaldehyde will have undergone most of its conversion into non-toxic acetic acid.
“By preventing most of the negative effects from alcohol from ever occurring, Sober Rush allows people to experience and enjoy alcohol more positively,” says Dr. Yong Wu who published a paper in The Journal of Functional Foods about his research. Dr. Wu is an Associate Professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center; and the Core Director for the Drug Discovery Program. “NADH is the first discovery in the world that can be applied to unravel alcohol-induced liver damage,” said Dr. Wu.
Sober Rush is 2x faster at metabolizing alcohol than your body can on its own, and indicators of liver damage showed no significant changes when alcohol was consumed with Sober Rush.
Following years of research at the UCLA Cancer Research Center, Fulgent Life has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have tried Sober Rush and confirmed its miraculous abilities.
Sober Rush is available on Amazon, Yamibuy.com and in several liquor stores, smoke stores and supermarkets in California, Seattle, Hawaii and New York. You can learn more by visiting the Sober Rush website, here.
