Be Bold And Daring With Martell Caractere

I was sitting in the shuttle after the Martell Caractere launch dinner gushing to my friend Ann about what an incredible night it was, waiting to be shuttled off to the valet area about a mile away when China Chow, Andre and Mr. Brainwash got in the shuttle.  That ridiculous YOLO saying popped in my head and maybe the few bold and daring Martell Caractere drinks I had pushed me to just say something.  I fangirled over China Chow and started to ask Mr. Brainwash when his next show in LA would be when Rosario Dawson called Mr. Brainwash over to talk.  I couldn't help but overhear their convo about Banksy (who happened to be in NY for his October residency) - Rosario's car pulled up, she said bye and Mr. Brainwash yelled for Andre to come out of the shuttle because a car was available for them too.  Andre said, "Bye! Wish we could've talked more!" and China touched my shoulder and said it was a pleasure meeting me.  It was one of those Hollywood moments where I asked myself if this was real.  The art fan in me couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening.    

The star of the evening - only available in California.
  
The Marterita:  Martell Caractere, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Blood Orange Puree

The bold taste of Martell Caractère was crafted as a tribute to the daring spirit of Jean Martell, the visionary founder of the House of Martell.  Guided by nearly 300 years of expertise, our cellar master has created a unique Cognac with rich fruit notes of lemon and tangerine-peel complemented by a long finish that develops into generous notes of sweet spices and plum jam. Savor it neat, on the rocks or as part of your favorite cocktails.


Los Angeles: The perfect backdrop for the launch of Martell Caractère, crafted especially for los hombres de carácter.

Actor Andy Garcia - the first Caractere Icon unveiled a short film created in collaboration with Martell showcasing the journey of  Mambo pioneer Israel "Cachao" Lopez.  The complete version will be released online in February along with the announcement of new icons!

"The way Jean Martell's bold and visionary nature was described to me reminded me of my relationship with Israel 'Cachao' Lopez, the inventor of the mambo," said Andy Garcia. "Both men had a dedication to their passion, pursued their dreams and embody the values Icons of Caractere wants to convey."

The Paramour is my favorite, it is Martell Caractere, Passion Fruit Puree and Lime Juice.  Four signature drinks were created for the launch dinner and I had to sample all of them for my readers.  They were all good especially since this was my very first time drinking cognac.  That's a large serving of Cordon Bleu for this girl but it was excellent.  I'm glad I went for it, definitely would've regretted passing it up!

Poached Prawns with Mango, Ginger, Espalette Emulsion, Lemon

Halibut with Olive Oil Poached Potato, Chorizo, Saffron, Rye Crisp and Clams - This was my 2nd time in a week having fish.  I am so not a fish person but I was genuinely curious and it was good!  My mama would be so proud!

Lou Doillon performed for us during dinner - I totally think dinner concerts should be a thing.

Valrhona Chocolate Tart with Whipped Ganache, Passion Fruit and Pecan - pure magic on a plate.  I almost licked it clean!

LAX Parking With The Parking Spot

Disclosure: We partnered with The Parking Spot.  All thoughts are my own.

Traveling with a family can be stressful so I really look into simplifying everything.  To start off, we always use airport parking.  It's just easier for our family - what if we forgot something and had to return home?  You really can't do that if you use a shuttle.  Plus that can be more costly and time consuming.  I was bummed to find out that the airport parking lot we've used for the past 5 years was bought by a competitor and after reading reviews, found out it now sucked.  I started asking around and The Parking Spot came highly recommended, mainly by my friend and LA Kings fan Chris.  I had definitely heard about them before and saw the shuttles around LAX.

LAX Parking is as easy as it comes with the Parking Spot.  Their parking structure on Century Blvd. is easy to spot - it is right on the corner of Century and Bellanca.  We pulled in at around 6am, grabbed a ticket from the machine, my husband Chris pulled up to valet (but we didn't use valet) so we could unload and then went to find a parking space.  While we were waiting for my husband to meet us, we saw two shuttles pick up and were able to catch the third one.  I was impressed!  Our driver was friendly and it took less than 10 minutes to get from the lot to our terminal.

When we returned 6 days later, we walked out of our terminal, looked for the Hotel & Parking Lot Shuttle sign and waited about 10 minutes for our shuttle.  The Parking Spot site says their shuttles come around every 5-7 minutes and in their defense, we did see two shuttles for the other Parking Spot parking lot within 5 minutes.  When we got back to the parking structure, paying was a breeze.  Took the ticket to the cashier, was given a new ticket (you could also pay when you exit) and we were on our way.  I really loved that some of the staff were standing in the loading and unloading area offering ice cold water.

The structure is well lit, clean, secure and staffed.  If we would've Home Alone'd one of the kids and forgot him there I wouldn't worry, it's that safe and the staff were all super nice.  Trust your car here.  


*We needed airport parking for our trip to Orlando for Family Forward

That One Time We Visited Gary Baseman's Home

I crave art.  I get cranky if we don't hit a museum or gallery at least once a month.  I love a good installation and my faves are the ones that aren't all stuffy.  Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with rules at museums, I've seen people touch paintings or wannabe photographers use flash on 14th century paintings and gasped at their manners.  The most recent art exhibition we visited was Gary Baseman: The Door Is Always Open at the Skirball Cultural Center.  It was far from stuffy, we were invited to sit in his childhood home, lay on his bed and roam around in his backyard.  By far one of the best exhibits I've ever seen.

Gary Baseman is an artist, illustrator, animator and toy designer.  Famous for his television series Teacher's Pet and iconic artwork for the popular board game Cranium, we heard about Gary Baseman by collecting designer toys.  The last show we visited was La Noche de la Fusion at Corey Helford Gallery in 2009 and I was amazed at the detail of the exhibit.  I was an instant Gary Baseman fan.  Duke was only 3 at the time so couldn't appreciate that visit but on this visit, he could not get enough. What hits home is how proud Gary is of his heritage - something we teach our children.  Gary was born in Los Angeles in 1960 to Polish-born Holocaust survivors.  His love for his parents is evident, I enjoy the exploration & influence of his Jewish heritage with American culture.  I can only hope our influence with our children runs as deep.

There are 9 rooms in Gary Baseman's home, each one stood on it's own - detailed and thoughtful, visiting made me remember my own childhood.  Our 7 year old son Duke happened to have his iPod and went crazy taking pictures.  He was amused with pictures of Toby's travels, Gary's old toys, his bedroom and his backyard.  Our 1 year old Omar kept smiling at Ahwroo (which should've been totally scary for a toddler).  The show runs till August 18th, go see it.

Smart & Final Downtown Los Angeles Grand Opening!

Downtown Los Angeles has been undergoing a much needed revitalization and it is always exciting to learn about a new business opening.  I know the general area because my dad worked out of Downtown LA - there are a bunch of different districts: art district, flower district, jewelry district, fashion district and the most popular but not a "district" at all is the LA Live area.  This is home to the Staples Center and Nokia Theatre!  Los Angeles is extra busy with business and tourists so opening a warehouse store in the bustle of it all is smart.  We went to check out the grand opening of the Smart & Final Extra! store on Figueroa (between 8th & 9th streets) on Thursday and was seriously oohing and ahhing at how close it was from LA Live.

Going to a game at Staples Center but spent too much on tickets and parking?  Walk a couple blocks and pick up some grab & go sandwiches, salads or even sushi!  Grab yourself a drink from Downtown Grind inside the new Smart & Final Extra! store - it features Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf!  There is even an outdoor patio with FREE wifi!  But let me tell you what impressed me the most and if you are from a big city I know you'll agree --- FREE 90 MINUTE PARKING!  

Not only is parking FREE for 90 minutes but the parking garage is well-lit, secure and you don't have to fight/wait for a space!

I had no idea Smart & Final was born in Los Angeles in 1871!  Knowing history of businesses is important to me - I love to spend my money at companies financially vested locally!

Colorful veggies always signals me that a grocery store is good!  Variety is another sign of a good grocery store!

Meat.  I love you.  Rib Eye Steaks are dreamy.  This would be perfect for people who work in the city to grab a steak on the way home from work!  (Remember - FREE parking!)

My second favorite - flap meat aka skirt steak aka CARNE ASADA!  That's right people, get it and grill it!

Didn't get a chance to text your love when you were busy all day at work?  Bring her home flowers!

Grab and go sushi is a big deal to me.  If I worked in the city, I would eat this everyday.  I kid you not.

Maybe you fancy soup, salad or sandwiches?  Smart & Final has you covered!

And you cannot forget an ice cold bottle of Mexican Coke!  What's the secret?  REAL SUGAR!

Downtown Grind featuring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is right inside!

Check out the Downtown Grind outdoor patio with FREE wifi!


Smart & Final Extra! is officially open!  
845 S. Figueroa St., #100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 629-0039
(213) 629-0045

Open 7 days a week from 6am - 10pm