by Randy Dunbar | Sep 14, 2020
Living in Southern California, it’s easy to lose sight of the thing called Hollywood—for those in the know, it’s not a place, its a street, not a pretty street either. Film studios are in fact, spread out across the area, only one in actual Hollywood—”and yet, the notion remains—”the idea of Hollywood, the history of a town, like any town, that became larger than its reality through shear imagination and luck. Welcome to Hollywood! The landmarks are many: the Sign, the Chinese Theater, The Walk of Fame, The Griffith Observatory, The shapely Hollywood Bowl. There are even some iconic restaurants, Musso & Frank Grill, Pinks, The Frolic Room and of course, Yamashiro. Perched on a hilltop in Hollywood, Yamashiro is a remnant of another time, yet vital to the survival of that idea we call Hollywood. Built in 1911, it has been featured in many Hollywood films and Huell Howser paid a visit in 2001. It has its stories, most notably, the ghost of a weeping woman, who haunts the bridal room and whose silhouette has reportedly been seen in the upstairs windows. In 1955, director and producer Fayette Thomas Moore committed suicide in his car outside the restaurant, and if that’s not enough, the ashes of previous owner Thomas O. Glover and his wife are buried in the inner courtyard. It should also be noted that Bonanza actor Pernell Roberts actually owned the property turning it into apartments in the 50s. It is a large area, and derives its names from a Japanese word that in this case means “mountain castle”. There are layers: a large golden Buddha (600 years old), a pool, a terrace, rounding walks with a stunning vistas are to be found and enjoyed here. This is quite unlike any place in Hollywood. It is a restaurant, a restaurant in the time of social distancing, a restaurant lucky enough to have always had outdoor dining, and is currently thriving. It has changed hands more often than a manicurist at rush hour, but its essence has remained. In August 2012, the Yamashiro Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. According to the National Park Service, the Yamashiro Historic District includes “nine contributing buildings, sites, and structures on the estate property.” All good news.
So it was on a warm, late August night, the trip up the hill, past the the Magic Castle, the other side of the famed Art Deco complex, High Tower, we find ourselves at Yamashiro. It is near sundown, dusk, and the lights of the city emerge like lights on water, shimmering in the twilight. You can walk though the gardens of the restaurant, visit the very large, golden Lucky Buddha. We are admonished to not sit on Buddha, but he may receive our coin and wishes. People dining create an arc southern arc of the restaurant; it is a romantic hotspot for couples. We are seated in the garden area which has been used in many a Hollywood film, notably Memoirs of a Geisha. When asked about celebrities, we were told that Jennifer Lopez frequents as do a host of other celebrities who enjoy a rare, private dining experience in a romantic setting.
The drinks at Yamashiro are unique. One can experience Double Happiness, which is a drink composed of Tequila, Mezcal, pineapple, Rhubarb syrup, Lime, absinthe bitters. Exotic? Yes, Appetizers served run an interesting gamut of Sushi pizza and mango pureed Crab Cakes. Yamashiro recently welcomed a new executive chef, Valerri. She welcomes us with a custom platter featuring ALL of the appetizers with SoCal spelled out—the menu is a curious fusion of foods and one senses it is Wagyu cheeseburger that is luring in the young. Coupled with a seating in the immaculately social distanced Zen Garden, we are served essentially everything from the kitchen. You know you’re in Hollywood as the occasional helicopter flies over. Everything is a complement to the previous serving. The sun has dipped into the West, the dark skies above Hollywood reveal a few stars—we are thankful for places like Yamashiro remaining to remind us of the legacy of a place, a place called Hollywood.
The entrance to Yamashiro is a grand—the gardens await you
The ceremonial Summer House was placed just below the top of the hill as a resting place for guests who were climbing the stairs. The antique Buddha seated there became so popular with guests, a sign hangs from a post to warn visitors, “Do Not Climb On Buddha.” Buddha now faces west as a sign of good luck and prosperity.
Sushi Pizza Yellow Tail, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi on a floured tortilla with truffled cream.
Our Special Platter
When the platter that had a handwritten SoCal on it arrived—we were happily surprised at how quickly Chef Vallerie turned it around.
Drinks Anyone?
With a wide variety of cocktails, wines and spirits, it’s easy to want to try them all—NOT recommended, but you take your pick of from The Koan Collection which is Pisco, home-made grape chai cordial, chardonnay, lemon, pimiento bitters (for those who like drinks with information a koan is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment.) The drink featured here is Kobayashi featuring El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, home-made Hibiscus cordial, lemon, ginger beer (“Kobayashi” is the secondary antagonist of the 1995 film The Usual Suspects. He is the enigmatic lawyer and right-hand man of the mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze). Someone is having fun naming these drinks.
Meet Chef Vallerie
Born in her grandfather Ramiro Bayangos’ bakery in San Nicholas Philippines, Chef Vallerie learned the craft of baking the best breads and pastries in town. Raised by both her grandparents, she spent most of her childhood in the kitchen.No matter what profession Chef Vall took up, she was always drawn to the kitchen—from cooking to baking. They were always a great source of healing and therapy for both herself and her loved ones. Even when her daughter experienced the harshest forms of bullying growing up, Chef Vall’s macarons always brought a smile to her face.Seeing the joy a simple treat could bring to her daughter’s life, Chef Vall decided to enroll in professional training for baking and culinary, hoping to share her love and joy with others.What started as a way to bring joy to her family and loved ones, including volunteering at school and charities, Chef Vall’s love for the culinary arts has expanded to managing five restaurants, including leading as Executive Chef at Yamashiro Hollywood.As a mom and experienced chef, Chef Vallerie loves sharing her grandfather’s love through her cooking baking at home and professional. Especially her desserts Love Bites Pastries by Val, which was inspired by her grandfather’s treats he affectionately referred to as “my little love bites for you”.
“It may sound cheesy,” states Chef Vallerie, “but I really love my job! I feel like a kid in a candy store just staring in awe at everything this place has to offer.” The new menu features the traditional offerings and some delicious updated delights. “I have always drawn to the kitchen—from cooking to baking. This has always been a great source of healing and therapy for both myself and my loved ones,” further states Vallerie.Chef Vallerie is leading an expert kitchen staff along with a dedicated group of servers and mixologists that are taking extra precautions to make the dining experience memorable and safe, while the city continues to navigate the pandemic. As the facility has reopened, Chef Vallerie is proud to be a leading female executive chef at this iconic restaurant. Along with the new offering, Yamashiro boasts an outdoor dining experience with sweeping vistas of Hollywood and beyond that few restaurants can offer. “We are excited to enter this new chapter in the restaurant’s history,” states the Yamashiro ownership. “The Hollywood Hills and our existing patronage is in for a culinary treat.” Yamashiro has an extremely long history in the Los Angeles area as a leader in the high-end dining experience. “This announcement is the delicious delight that Los Angeles has been waiting for.”
The View from Here
Hollywood does not have the great views that cities like New York or San Francisco possess—it takes an extraordinary clean day to actually see the ocean, but we have our views. Yamashiro looks Southwest which gives you a view of downtown, central Hollywood and yes, on a clear day, the ocean.
ADDRESS
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USAPHONE +1 323-466-5125
Yamashiro is open for dine-in service. Open for dinner every week from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and also Brunch on Sunday.
DINELA – SEPTEMBER 1 to 18
OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE!
by Randy Dunbar | Sep 3, 2020
It is with great pleasure that the Fahey/Klein Gallery announces the new exhibition dates for Paul Jasmin: Lost Angeles, a selection of works celebrating Jasmin’s long career and the gallery’s first exhibition by the legendary Los Angeles photographer.
Paul Jasmin’s photographs are a dreamy tableau that takes the viewer on a journey of seductive beauty and erotic ennui. Lost Angeles highlights the last 50 years Jasmin has spent photographing L.A.’s young dreamers. Jasmin’s images eloquently mirror the mythology of the city in the vulnerability and intangible cool of his subjects. There is life in his portraits of smiling girls and strong and frail men – and the never fading love for the Los Angeles street scenes. There is a nostalgic myth of a splendid and ideal aesthetic, stopped and caught forever.
“Each one reminds me of a time in my life, a place or a person,” Jasmin explains. “The old and the new.”
Paul Jasmin has had a long career as a fashion and art photographer. He was born in Helena, Montana and in 1954 left to begin an incredible journey that would take him to Paris, Morocco, New York, and eventually “the city of dreams”, Los Angeles. Paul had been an illustrator, a painter, and an actor before picking up a camera – at the urging of his friend, Bruce Weber.
Jasmin’s images of real and imagined dreamers evoke a sensual and glamorous ideal while firmly rooted in reality. His Editorial work appears in Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, Details, V Magazine, V Man, Vogue Hommes, W, Nylon, Interview, Mr. Porter, APC, Ron Herman, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and Nordstrom. Paul Jasmin lives and works in Los Angeles where he teaches at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Paul Jasmin’s photography books include the much-acclaimed Hollywood Cowboy (2002) and its follow up, Lost Angeles (2004). In December 2010, Steidl/7l published Paul’s third book, California Dreaming.
September 24, 2020 through December 31, 2020
Opening Reception – *By Appointment Only*
Thursday, September 24, 2020, 10am – 5pm
by Randy Dunbar | Aug 14, 2020
WorkAway (def): 1. The unique opportunity to take advantage of an extended travel window, working and playing remotely from a new destination/location. 2. The chance to learn/explore a new culture/way of life 3. Redefining your life balance in a new context.
Quarantine fatique is real and staycations are so last month. With many Californians working and learning remotely, a new concept, the “WorkAway” may provide welcome relief from unprecedented amounts of time at home.
Elevate Destinations, a luxury travel company with an altruistic footprint, is organizing stays for a month or more in vetted destinations that provide the services and systems clients and their families need to thrive.
Designed as a welcome hiatus from life at home, a WorkAway package includes custom accommodation, recreational touring and any educational and medical options that might be required. 24/7 concierge assistance is available upon request.
Elevate’s initial WorkAway destinations include Barbados and Mustique in the Caribbean, Belize, Croatia, Hawaii and Kenya.
“So many folks are yearning to get away but need guidance about health and safety protocols. As a trusted travel advisor, we can provide that and introduce clients to a spectrum of possibilities as they look to take advantage of working and learning remotely,” says Dominique Callimanopulos, Founder of Elevate Destinations. “This is a unique window for many clients to immerse in a new culture or landscape.”
Since 2005, Elevate has facilitated bespoke trips to Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Europe and is drawing on its rich network of global travel partners to curate WorkAways for clients looking for a change of scene.
by Jennifer Landis | Aug 11, 2020
Everyone experiences stress, though different events and experiences can cause more stress in life than others. While it’s impossible to expel all stress from your life, it’s important to practice techniques that can help you bring a bit more tranquility into your everyday routine. Practicing self care and self compassion is a huge part of leading a healthy lifestyle, and there are plenty of ways to start doing it.
If you’re busy and occupied, you probably won’t have time to soak in a bubble bath every night or sip calming tea for a half hour each morning with the sunrise. You’re chasing kids around, picking up dirty socks and rushing to get to work on time. But stress relief can be found in the little moments just like the lasting stretches of you time. It’s important to find a balance of taking time for you and being present with life. That way, you can find consistent calming whenever you need it.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the actions, sensations and sights around you. Often, we rush through life and don’t stop to be present in the moments and surroundings that could bring us joy and peace. Try to tune out the noise and distractions that might normally be present in life so you can focus on the tasks at hand and tune in to the activities in front of you. Whether you’re gardening, driving, playing with your kids or doing the dishes, take some time to slow down and let your mind rest.
2. Stay Organized
Sometimes, stress can be caused by an overload of events in life. When you have an abundance of schedules to keep track of, it can get overwhelming. Especially if you have kids with school and activities, it can feel like you’re running all over the world every day and still forgetting things. Taking a bit of extra time to get organized can make your days a bit easier both for you and your family.
Tools like to-do lists and daily planners work wonders for keeping any schedule in check. If you usually look after your kids’ school planner, you can sit down with them and work out their planner together so your family can have a smoother week.
3. Get Moving
Getting physical exercise — even just thirty minutes each day — can help to reduce stress and increase your overall health in the long term. Moving your body can help to release endorphins that lift your mood and make you happier. Whether you go for a run, do a yoga workout or take a pilates class, exercise can give you some time to yourself and give you an energetic release to relive stress and relax you in the long term and in the moment.
4. Get Enough Sleep
If you’re stressed, it could be caused or worsened by a lack of sleep. While it’s not always convenient, adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night in order to function properly and stay alert throughout the day. Sleep and rest are highly important, as they give your body and mind the energy they need to tackle each day with a clear head. When you aren’t well rested, you’re more likely to experience anxiety, forget important things and feel stressed throughout the day.
Setting up a nighttime routine for yourself can help you get to bed at the same time each evening and wake up at the same time each morning, creating a regular sleep schedule. A sleep schedule can help you carve out the time for those precious hours and get your body used to your much needed rest.
5. Learn to Say No to Things
If you’ve got too much on your plate, you might need to learn how to respectfully say no to new opportunities. It can be tempting to people please and say yes to every favor, tempting opportunity and fun event that crosses your radar, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be good for you in the long term. So much stress comes from taking on too much at once. Learning to politely decline offers and say no can be hard at first, but putting yourself first and prioritizing your needs must have its place in your life.
6. Take Up Journaling
Taking a few moments to jot down your feelings about gratitude, life or even just the events of the day can be a great stress reliever. It can be a place to process your feelings and let out some unresolved tension from the day. You don’t have to commit to journaling every single evening or write pages and pages unless you want to, but taking a bit of time to process your thoughts can help more than you realize. If you’re stuck, you can even turn to some helpful prompts to push you in the right direction.
Get Relaxed
While you can’t dispel all of the stress from your life, you can certainly prioritize your needs and give yourself the daily consideration you deserve. You show up better for your family, friends and yourself when you’re less stressed. You deserve daily happiness, just like anyone else.
by Jennifer Landis | Jul 17, 2020
Creative Ways to Update Your Workout Routine
It’s common for workouts to feel a little mundane after a while. Many people who exercise every day find they need to alter their routines so that they don’t feel bored. Whether you like to box, cycle or run, it’s probably time to try a new approach if your workouts have become too mundane. A change can even improve your results!
Here are a few ways to keep your fitness regimen fresh.
1. Look for a New Class
If your routine looks like 30 minutes on a treadmill followed by dumbbell exercises, it’s time to leave your comfort zone. A new fitness class can help you expand your horizons and achieve that dream body. Your current efforts may not have the oomph you need to maintain the toned arms and legs you want. That’s where a guided class at a local gym or center can make a difference.
There are many instructed courses you can take. You may want to try HIIT, dance, Pilates or yoga. You can also explore online class options if you prefer to stay at home when you workout. Why not try a few different exercises to see which one works best? Then, it’ll be easier to find an activity you love.
2. Train for a Race
If you don’t have a goal to work toward as you exercise, it’s easy to feel bored. You may want to lose weight or become stronger, but it’s not like you’ll see those results immediately. A more tangible goal like a marathon can help you stay focused on and dedicated to your workout routine. You don’t have to choose the biggest and greatest race, either. It’s better to start small if you’re not an avid runner.
You’ll have to work consistently to train for whatever race you choose, so you should make sure that you have enough time to do so. You don’t need to become super intense — but a marathon does require dedication. It doesn’t even matter whether you finish first or last. It’ll still keep you active and interested as you step closer to that overall goal.
3. Try a Group Activity
It’s always fun to exercise when you have a friend present. You can talk and laugh as you workout, which makes the entire experience more pleasant. If you need to update your current routine, it’s smart to explore group activities where more than one person can participate. You can also help your children boost their memory and concentration if you ask them to exercise with you. That’s a simple two-for-one!
You could organize a bike ride or try a kayaking trip. Do you have access to an open field? Set up a baseball or soccer game with your friends and their kids. Choose fun activities that make you forget you’re sweating buckets and burning calories. A weekly event can bring everyone closer together, too.
4. Plan an Active Vacation
Why not mix business with pleasure? A vacation should be about peace and relaxation, but it’s also a unique opportunity to try other exercise methods. If you’ve always wanted to take your snowboard to Vail or your surfboard to Oahu, it could be an ideal time to plan that trip! A once-in-a-lifetime adventure can open your eyes to new experiences that make you a happier and healthier person.
You don’t have to travel far and wide to enjoy a fun and active vacation. Is there a local ski resort you’ve wanted to try? Maybe there’s a local beach that offers some decent waves. You can take a weekend to rediscover an exercise routine that works for you. A consistent exercise routine may create monotony, so it’s essential to break that up with a fun excursion when possible.
5. Explore With a Hike
A hike can be an effective substitute for more traditional cardio workouts. It’s often convenient to walk on a treadmill, especially when you have one at home. But not much compares to a long walk on terrain that truly challenges you as an athlete. Plus, you’ll be able to experience beautiful outdoor scenery that can provide a needed mental boost you won’t find at the gym.
If you’ve never hiked a trail before, it’s important to choose a route that’s not too difficult. Always bring a water bottle, a cell phone and any other gear you think you’ll need. You should also try to hike with a friend if you want to try a more secluded area. A hike at your local state park can be fun — but you should ensure you take precautions to limit wilderness-related emergencies.
A little responsibility goes a long way! You’ll be able to enjoy your hike much more when you prepare adequately.
Try These Tips to Make Your Exercise Routine More Enjoyable
It’s easy to feel bored when you do the same workouts every day. A few changes can make a huge difference if you need to jazz up your fitness regimen. Try these ideas to keep your exercise routine fresh.
by Randy Dunbar | Jun 14, 2020
In America, you would have to give Sonora Smart Dodd credit for the creation of the holiday that has come to be known as Fathers Day. The first Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Although observance of the holiday faded in the 1920s over time, the idea of Father’s Day became popular and embraced across the nation. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson sent a telegraph to Spokane praising Father’s Day services. William Jennings Bryan was another early admirer of the observance. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. In 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year. And here we are—ready to celebrate greats Dad’s everywhere. While going to his favorite steakhouse may not happen, giving the good gift can be a cause for celebration.
by Jennifer Landis | Jun 12, 2020
Quick and Easy Workouts to Add to Your WFH Routines
Have you gained the dreaded quarantine 15? Perhaps you’re new to the WFH world, and you are wondering how on earth you can squeeze fitness into your day with your responsibilities. Juggling homeschooling and childcare with an increased workload can leave you crunched for time.
Have no fear. The following routines will get you moving in a jiffy with no need to devote a full hour to your home gym. You can squeeze fitness in short bursts and still work every muscle, including your heart before you lie down at night to count sheep.
1. Five Minute Morning Yoga
If your morning routine involves slapping snooze while scrolling social media, you miss the ideal time to start your day healthfully. Instead, roll out your yoga mat — or use your bed as a replacement. Perform five minutes of gentle yoga to get your blood flowing. Use this time to focus your mind by setting an intention for your day as well.
If you aren’t sure what to do, you don’t have to spend a dime on lessons. You can find tons of yoga videos on YouTube, many in the 5-minute range. Maybe you won’t jump out of bed singing “Zippedy Doo Dah,” but you’ll feel energized instead of grumpy as you pour that first cup of a.m. ambition.
2. Coffee Brewing Ab Blaster
Did you forget to add the french roast to the pot before you went to bed? While your morning cuppa brews, take the opportunity to engage your core for the day. You can perform several different exercises at your desk as you review your to-do list.
Do chair crunches by leaning back and holding the armrests to steady yourself. Contract your abs and round your lower spine as you bring your knees up toward your chest — take care not to bump them on your desk. Hold for three seconds, then repeat. You can also do bicycles and leg lifts from the same starting position.
3. Morning Break Calisthenics
Calisthenics may sound old-fashioned, but these exercises stood the test of time because they work. Keep light hand weights in your office and use your morning stretch break to perform the following 5-minute routine:
- Mountain climbers: Get into a pushup position or place your hands on your desk. “Run” in place by bringing your knees to your chest.
- Pushups: Perform ten repetitions. You can experiment with varying your hand positions if you like.
- Stationary lunges: With a weight in each hand, step one foot forward, the other back. Make sure your front knee doesn’t extend over your toe when you bend it at a 90-degree angle. Lower down and lift, repeating ten times each leg.
- Triceps dips: Place your hands on your desk behind you. Keeping your glutes close to the structure, lower and lift yourself ten times.
- Dumbbell rows: Place one weight in each hand and hinge forward approximately 45-degrees at the hip. Pull the weights up like you’re starting a lawnmower, then lower and perform ten repetitions.
4. Pre-Lunch Boogie
Finally, the noon bell rings, and you’re famished. While your healthy homemade frozen burrito zaps, get your blood flowing by cranking up one of your favorite jams. If you do Zumba, you can choreograph one song. If you don’t engage in regular dance fitness, merely let loose like no one is watching — except maybe your littles, who can get in on the fun.
5. Post-Snack Stroll
Once you eat lunch, you might feel a bit of lassitude creep in — combat it with exercise. Get in the habit of taking a 10-minute stroll after your midday meal. The fresh air will improve your overall mood and boost your afternoon productivity.
6. Afternoon Mini Tabata
Tabata is a specific form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that is a complete four-minute workout of alternating effort and rest. You do 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of relaxation. Since you’re only doing one round, select a cardio move like jumping jacks or burpees. Getting your blood flowing will help you to overcome the 3 p.m. slump.
7. After Work Heart Rate HIIT
When you finally power down your laptop for the day, it’s time for a slightly lengthier full-body workout. Select four moves — one cardio, one upper body, one lower body and one core. Perform each move Tabata-style, and you’ll have worked all your major muscle groups in under 20 minutes. You might try jogging in place, military presses, squats and situps.Try a compound move like combining your squat with your overhead press to get even more bang for your mini-workout buck.
8. Evening Stretch Into Sleep
Before lying your head on the pillow to rest, take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to do yoga. You can find routines for free on YouTube that you can perform on your mattress. Make sure you finish by lying in savasana — and if you drift off, it’s okay.
Get Your Workout in While WFH With These Mini-Workouts
You might feel pulled in 20 directions in your new WFH lifestyle, and you might struggle to squeeze in fitness. The mini-workouts above last no more than 15 minutes apiece, but combining some or all of them will engage your whole body without making you feel more time-pressed.
by Dennis Richardson | May 27, 2020
Along with the rising temperatures comes an increased urge for some good old-fashioned backyard barbecue vibes. But what if you’re someone who’s holding off on the alcohol? Then, we’re excited to introduce you to California-based alcohol-alternative, Cann. Cann’s low-dose THC social tonic innovates the future of non-alcoholic social drinking. Designed to give you a similar buzz without any hangover the next morning, each Cann is formulated with 2 mg of TH C and 4mg of CBD and includes only four other ingredients – sparkling water, citrus juice, all-natural herbal flavor, and a touch of agave.
Since Cann provides a micro-dose of cannabis, it is designed for you to easily consume more than one without hitting that ‘too high’ feeling you may get with smoking pure flower or consuming an edible. No more uncomfortable experiences, electrolyte depletions, poor sleep, or headaches — just a controlled buzz.
Founders, Luke Anderson and Jake Bullock, have ensured that each Cann is health-consciously produced, while also keeping a little fun in the mix. Cann’s flavors and ingredients are listed below, for your educational pleasure, but there’s only one real way to know how you’ll like it. Visit Cann for more:
Lemon Lavender: Lemon Lavender is the perfect balance of acidity and sweet, beginning with organic lemon juice from Sicily, all-natural lavender flavor derived from the plant, 100% organic agave nectar from Mexico and the purest California cannabis on the market.
Grapefruit Rosemary: Grapefruit Rosemary is bursting with aromatic confidence and an acidic wit, starting with grapefruit juice from Florida, all-natural rosemary derived from the plant, 100% organic agave nectar from Mexico and the purest California cannabis on the market.
Blood Orange Cardamom: Blood Orange Cardamom is a cacophony of citrus, spices and all things nice-ish, starting with organic blood orange juice from Sicily, all-natural cardamom derived from the plant, 100% organic agave nectar from Mexico and the purest California cannabis on the market.
by katie nartonis | May 26, 2020
We asked for submissions for an ongoing story called, “The Quarantine Diaries”; a quick look at where people are at and what they’re doing. For our first outing we visited upon our Arts Editor and our Fishing/Wildlife Editor Katie Nartonis and Phil Miller. These days they are somewhere in the low slopes of Joshua Tree.
Phil Miller is a sculptor and custom furniture maker who works primarily in metal and found objects. I’m lucky to share my life with Phil and many of his beautiful and finely crafted objects.
The Breast of Drawers (2018), is a custom art furniture piece which was first designed in 1992. Miller created the initial example in a pink and black finish, and it is in a private collection on the West Coast. He likes to tell the story that he finished it the day the riots broke out in Los Angeles. This white on white example was created for an art show in 2018, “Nature: Human Nature” at Loft at Liz’s gallery in Hollywood.
Raised on the coast of Washington State on a clam farm, after college Phil co-founded the 1960’s Seattle art band Lamar Harrington. In 1977, Miller moved to Los Angeles. He played in various bands, opening for the Dead Kennedys at their first LA gig as part of the punk supergroup The 1, 2, 3, 4, Fuck You! band. He later managed the seminal punk group The Screamers.
Miller owns land in remote eastern Washington state which is populated with his sculptures.
photo: Randy Dunbar
by Randy Dunbar | May 16, 2020
BRAD first caught our eye on facebook as he traveled about the city during a time of lockdown. Dressed only in his blue speedo, Brad has become a staple for those familiar with Wendy Krueger, who posts regularly on the adventures of Brad. We reached out to Wendy to get some insight into Brad, the man:
Where is Brad originally from? Brad is from Waukesha, WI. He came to LA to party but found a deeper meaning in life with his best friend, Chad.
What sign is Brad? He’s definitely an Aries! Adventurous daredevil.
Where does Brad get his bathing suit? Brad has his swim suits custom-made. In his old life, he wore suits but since moving to LA, he only wears speedos.
Brad has a fine physique—what gym did he attend before the lockdown? Brad doesn’t go to the gym. His workout is being in the outdoors and occasionally lifts wine glasses. He has a natural six pack and came in a six pack of friends. Brad, Chad, Mitch, Cody, Josh, Ryan.
We look forward to the next adventures of Brad and wherever his speedo will take him.
Concept and Photos by Wendy Krueger
by Randy Dunbar | Apr 29, 2020
More than ever, we are communicating online—via Zoom, Skype, Viber, even FaceTime. While reality is a good thing, it can always be improved upon. We reached out to legendary Los Angeles photographer John Skalicky for some tips on how to make ourselves look better in the time of lockdown.
by Randy Dunbar | Apr 27, 2020
4. Get Enough Sleep
5. Explore With a Hike
We asked for submissions for an ongoing story called, “The Quarantine Diaries”; a quick look at where people are at and what they’re doing. For our first outing we visited upon our Arts Editor and our Fishing/Wildlife Editor Katie Nartonis and Phil Miller. These days they are somewhere in the low slopes of Joshua Tree.
