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Jonathan Tolliver

Fashion & BeautyLifestyleThe Latest

RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens Get ‘Wigloose’ for Emmy Voters

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Wigloose, baby, Wigloose! You’re holding it together you got no excuse! An All-Star level assortment of queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 gathered at the LA LGBT Center to perform for Emmy voters, and what a performance it was. 

Aura Mayari, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Selena Estitties, Luxx Noir London and Sasha Colby stormed the stage for a condensed performance of Wigloose, the showstopping Rusical from their phenomenal season. I would be positively gobsmacked if this season doesn’t win the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition, and it’s all thanks to the talents of these powerhouse gals. 

We caught up with a few of them on the red carpet to talk about their future Emmy nomination, their time on the show and what the future holds for queers the world over. 

‘It’s wild to know that I’m here representing a tv show that is not only hoping to be nominated for several Emmys, but has WON several Emmys,’ said London. ‘It’s at the forefront of media.’ 

“I’m crossing my fingers. It’s more history, it’s more resume, you know? I’ve been doing the do for a moment, but always in the background,” said LA’s own Estitties. 

Well once season 15 sweeps every category, she’ll be once again standing front and center celebrating another momentous occasion. Me and the rest of the gaggle bounced around, enjoy House of Love cocktails, and posing for pics at the tres chic photo-op stop. Michelle Visage was a ball of energy; speaking to journalists, running to the photo station, saying hi to fans, the whole nine. 

Reigning champ Colby was a vision in green, blessing us with her humility, grace and talent. Nashville’s dancing diva Mayari stunned in red, and spoke about the hope the show brings to the queer community. 

“The message of the Rusical is so timely right now,” she said. “We went through a lot of shit the past few months, and I thought it would be very sentimental for me to be a part of this, to send a message.” 

Message received! She was a standout of the performance – just check the comments section – and it was great to see her continue to shine. 

The event wrapped but the love lives on. Until next time! 

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EventsFoodFood & DrinkNewsSocial MediaThe LatestUncategorized

Urban Plates Adds Sensational New Menu Items While Reviving a Classic

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Fresh is the word of the day, y’all. I was lucky enough to venture into Urban Plates on a recent night out in Pasadena and was greeted by a sensational staff and impossibly tasty food from this made-from-scratch outpost serving New American fare. 

Take a quick perusal through their Yelp reviews and you’ll see ‘fresh’ EVERYWHERE. And for good reason. 

It’s clear great care is taken in choosing ingredients and preparing these crowd-pleasing meals. I’ll let them tell you: ‘Recipes feature exclusively GMO-, antibiotic-, and hormone-free, grass-fed, and finished steak; wild line-caught ahi tuna; sustainably raised salmon; and humanely raised and sourced, cage-free, hormone-free chicken.

There are 17 Urban Plates locations, with undoubtedly more to come based on what I experienced in Pasadena. 

Let’s start with apps. The asparagus – my favorite vegetable – was drizzled with garlic shallot oil, parsley and lemon and was surprisingly savory with a perfect texture. 

Photo by Ron Clark

The maple butternut squash with toasted coconut was equally successful, with an earthy, somewhat buttery taste that left a lasting impression. 

My cremini and oyster mushrooms with garlic and parmesan butter converted a lifelong mushroom hater into a fan. It almost tasted like panko breadcrumbs on seitan; once again earthy but much more filling and sturdy. 

The best dish of the night was the Asian noodle salad, a citrusy, spicy homerun that’s both a visual and structural delight. That pineapple mango salsa is no joke, and the chicken was so perfectly executed, a heartier contrast to the more-delicate surrounding ingredients. 

Photo by Ron Clark

As for the dish I’d come back for over and over, that title goes to Osso Bucco, aka grass-fed lamb on a bed of organic mashed potatoes. Of course as I’m preparing to write this review I see this item was brought back by popular demand. What I can say? I am a man of the people. 

This absolutely rocked me. It’s tender, piquant perfection. The mashed potatoes almost take me to church cookouts from my childhood, and the mint gremolata sauce is so good it’s unfair. 

The chili grilled tofu bowl was fantastic, too. It almost feels like an amalgamation of bells and whistles this restaurant does best: asparagus, quinoa, micro greens and gochujang sauce are delicious companions to our glazed and grilled tofu. 

Photo by Ron Clark

I had a great night and truly can’t thank this team enough. They do so many things so well, and I’m just glad I was able to experience it. 

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LifestyleThe Latest

Ocean Prime Revamps and Refines Already-Sensational Menu for Maximum Delectability

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Ocean Prime has it all figured out. A high-end steak and seafood outfit that isn’t afraid to take risks, they’ve become a staple of the country’s jet-set culinary scene.

I checked into their Beverly Hills outpost to try a bevy of new and revamped seafood offerings, and am thrilled to report they’ve once again elevated their already-top tier menu with these sensational additions.

The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake appetizer was a revelation, a textural triumph that ‘primed’ me for a night of refined excellence. The horseradish mustard and aioli were devastatingly tasty, with a late-breaking kick that took the crab cake from delicious to unreal good.

Photo by Theresa Bateman

The cake itself was seasoned to perfection; savory and lightly-salted, the flavor rushes to you after a brief delay, a kick you don’t see coming but are blessed to receive.

Lobster Linguine, the new kid on the block, was pure divinity, with leeks, blistered tomato and garlic cream working in tandem to create a delectable, hearty and shockingly clean flavor where each ingredient shines. It tastes luxurious and light, a perfect compliment to the filet mignon I stole off my date’s plate.

Photo by Theresa Bateman

A bombastic Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese capped off my adventure with a bang. It was decadent, down-home and sublime, a familiar dish presented with the finest ingredients and Ocean Prime’s signature flourish.

Shoutout to our INCREDIBLE service Diyanah – this is not how it’s spelled – for her humor, attention to detail, and patience. This was yet another wonderful outing to one of the country’s finest dining institutions. Can’t wait to come back.

Check out the full list of new and revamped menu items below:

  • Jumbo Lump Crab Cake appetizer – served with sweet and sour slaw, horseradish mustard and aioli (new presentation)
  • Blackened Snapper with corn spoon bread, Swiss chard and corn emulsion (new presentation)
  • Branzino with artichokes and broccolini (new item)
  • Lobster Linguini with leeks, chili flakes, parmesan, blistered tomatoes and garlic cream (new item)
  • Chilean Sea Bass with broccolini, pearl onions, potato purée, and truffle vinaigrette (new presentation)
  • Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese with whole Maine lobster and Tillamook cheddar (new item)
  • Spicy Tuna Roll with avocado, scallion, jalapeño and shiso and the Blue Crab Roll with sesame crab salad, tobiko, avocado, cucumber and yuzu aioli.
  • Beet salad, miso-chili roasted broccoli, and sauteed mushrooms sides
  • Chop Chop Salad
  • Chocolate Torte made with dark Valrhona chocolate ganache, flourless chocolate cake, and spiced almonds.
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EntertainmentEventsThe Latest

Exclusive: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 Queens Talk Drama, Mamas and Eating at Benihana [Video]

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

C’mon, Quinceañera! RuPaul’s Drag Race duckwalks onto our screens with 16 brand new queens – the most ever – and a yassified grand prize of $200,000. This season feels incredibly fresh; sort of a season 2-3 cutthroat seamstress vibe mixed with a season 7 ‘the glamour is here’ type beat. 

While the queens were tightlipped on this season’s twists and turns, we do know there’s a brand new state-of-the-art runway and a bevy of A-list judges, including the venerable Ariana Grande in a triumphant return 8 seasons after she first appeared. 

I can truly say I have no clue who’s gonna win. Last year there was a strong ‘Kornbread is the one’ energy that hung over the interviews; though that’s possibly because the meet the queens videos had hit the internet and we got a good look at each girl ahead of time. This year I was flying blind and from what I can tell, it’s gonna be a wildy competitive season. 

I watch 4,000 seasons of international drag race every year, but nothing revs my engines like our flagship franchise. What a joy it is to be able to enjoy drag on television at a time when right-wingers are desperately trying to stop drag from existing. Na na nee na na, losers: we’re not going anywhere. 

Anywho! Click the vid to see our new queens read the bigots over story hour, gently drag each other and tell as many dirty secrets as the law will allow. Love ya! 

 

 

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EntertainmentEventsThe Latest

Will Smith and Emancipation Cast Talk ‘Powerful’ Film

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

The king has returned. Will Smith’s latest film is a frank, rousing look at the life of a runaway slave evading ruthless catchers in the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana.

Smith is unflinching in his portrayal of ‘Whipped Peter,’ a man fighting for his freedom and a return to his family. Through gnashed teeth and broken limbs, he hopes for a reunion that seems incredibly unlikely.

He’s hunted by Fassel (Ben Foster), a man with no scruples. Foster is magnificent in a very tough role; that of a slave catcher who’ll stop at nothing to bring Peter to his knees.

Charmaine Bingwa plays Dodienne, Peter’s wife, with a torrent of passion and care. She’s left behind to care for their children and keep the hope of his return alive. This is a breakout role for Bingwa, and I wouldn’t be surprised if an Oscar nomination is next.

Director Antoine Fuqua pulls no punches. Each scene is sobering and hyper realistic. His attention to detail is unmatched, as so many in the cast told us during red carpet interviews.

The script is based off a photograph of the aforementioned Whipped Peter. A Union army medical examination photo shows his latticed, shredded back, and contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

Emancipation is out today via Apple TV. It’s essential viewing, and I’m very grateful these artists came together to tell this story.

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EventsEventsLifestyleNewsSocial MediaThe Latest

Mr. T Lands in Hollywood with Sensational Fare

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

I once played a show in Paris and was excited to try as much food as possible that day, but all I had time for was a chicken shack by my hotel. And while that chicken did slap, I knew I’d been cheated.

So when I heard Mr. T, with its Parisian outpost, French techniques and international street food was opening in LA, I knew I had to find my way there. I was not disappointed.

The space is industrial and trè chic, with exposed pipes and uncovered bulbs. It feels at once high end yet approachable.

All photos by Ron Clark

I started with a couple sensational drinks, as I do. First was the Mr. T, a sublime mezcal-based drink featuring fruity accoutrements; prickly pear, Cointreau, lime juice, agave and candied hibiscus. This is obviously their signature drink, and it was sensational, the mezcal a perfect smoky balance to the other sweet ingredients.

Next up was the Let Me Ride, the sweetest drink on the menu. It’s made with tequila, mango, lime juice, agave, and squirt with a mango purée tajin rim. I loved it, though it’s more of a summertime al fresco taste. I’d absolutely have it again.

 

The ‘Uni’ was my appetizer. It’s sea urchin topped with confit egg yolk and Koshihikari rice. It was subdued and incredibly fresh, a savory and buttery taste that was lighter than I expected.

 

The morning before I went to this dinner, my very sophisticated friend said ‘you can’t go wrong with steak frites,’ so I ordered it. I trust him with my life.

He was correct! I’ve always adored hanger steak, and this was a particularly choice offering. I ordered it medium rare, and it was succulent and juicy. I just involuntarily drooled thinking about it.

 

Despite that high praise, the dish of the night was the striped bass sabayon, an unbelievably delicious cut of fish that tasted so sophisticated and fresh I couldn’t help but fall head over heels.

The vandouvan crust was such a lovely touch, a welcome addition to both the texture and taste of the dish. Can’t stress it enough: I was blown away by this.

The poulet frit ‘cesar’ was decadent, a fried Cornish game hen slathered in hot honey. It was lovely and sinful, which is a wonderful combination.

Rounding out the night was apple pithiviers, a straightforward and gently-bombastic dessert. I had a great time with it, though after the heavier entrees, I should’ve chosen something a bit lighter.

Mr. T more than lives up to the hype. This developing corridor of Hollywood is lucky to have such a tremendous dining experience. I can’t recommend it enough.

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ArtEntertainmentEventsEventsFashion & BeautyFeaturedFilmMusicNewsNewsThe LatestTheaterTV

Netflix Hosts Sensational ‘Wednesday’ Night Function to Celebrate Fierce Addams Family Reboot

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Wednesday was a DRAG, baby. Netflix x Most put together a rowdy, revelatory soirée in honor of ‘Wednesday,’ their upcoming Addams Family  reboot focused on everyone’s favorite moody teen girl. From the clips they showed at the event, this show is whip smart, funny and gorgeous. C’mon, art direction!

TS Madison

The night was hosted by the divine TS Madison, who was absolutely part of my queer awakening back in the day. She got us all riled up and ready for some haunting drag numbers.

Crystal Methyd (Drag Race Season 12) performed in a self-made ‘Thing’ look, aka a giant hand. It was hilarious and fun and a fantastic kickoff to the night’s performances.

Mo Heart (Drag Race Season 10, All Stars 4, UK vs The World) delivered the tightest lip-sync of the night; a sultry, sexy number where she skulked around stage seducing us all.

Photo by Ron Clark

Gottmik (Drag Race Season 13)  was all gusto in his goth glam rock number. He had the best look of the night in a witchy black ensemble. Face beat, hair slicked. Here for it.

 

Photo by Ron Clark

Violet Chachki (Drag Race Season 7) had me sweating with a burlesque performance that hit all the right notes. Damn, ma!

We then danced the night away to spooky mashups of pop hits, took photos at the IG-friendly lil setup and generally had the time of our lives.

Be sure to check out ‘Wednesday’ when it drops November 23rd. It’s gonna be a moment.

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LifestyleThe Latest

Chef Alvin Cailan and Tanqueray Are a Perfect Pair at Family Style Food Fest

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

I’m in a committed relationship with Tanqueray. 

So when I heard Chef Alvin Cailan was partnering with the famed gin-purveyor on a booth at Family Style Food Festival, I had to make it do what it do. And by that I mean, attend.

Cailan is known locally for the always-busy Eggslut and Amboy, two shining stars in downtown LA’s food constellation. He’s also host of ‘First We Feast’s The Burger Show,’ an uber-popular show that streams on YouTube and Hulu.

Back to the fest. Cailan cooked up the ‘Damn Fancy Burger,’ which features Gibson-inspired onions, and paired it with a sharp and citrusy Black Pepper Gin Rickey cocktail, both of which had me all the way f—-cked up.

The DFB was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, very gin-like with floral notes and an abiding freshness.

 

The cocktail was batch-made for a festival crowd, so didn’t pack that ‘artisanal cocktail’ punch I thought it would, but was still a divine time.

Get into my interview with Chef Cailan below, and be sure to swing by Amboy for more madcap creations.

 

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EventsFeaturedLifestyleNewsThe LatestUncategorized

Bring Back West 3rd Street is a Huge, Delectable Hit

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Everyone needs their little corner of heaven. I found a new one in Beverly Hills just off 3rd and LaCienega. This once-bustling stretch was hit hard by the pandemic, but is surging back with an array of new businesses and fresh offerings from neighborhood staples.

This weekend you can try a ton of these spots at deep discounts via ‘Bring Back West 3rd Street,’ an event aimed at highlighting all the glorious food, fitness and fades this stretch has to offer.

I stopped by Chica’s, purveyor of excellent Mexican cuisine and the epicenter of this weekend’s event, for some shrimp tacos and a Paloma. Yes, it was 5pm! That’s a fine time to drink!

They’re offering 50% off for you and a friend this weekend, and 10% at any location FOREVER with a coupon, which you can pick up in the restaurant.

Ecco Un Poco served up the most exquisite peach gelato I’ve ever had. They have tons of adventurous and classic flavors, and are a perfect treat for these still-hot-as-hell dog days of summer.

They’re offering BOGO gelato in a cup, and a 10% discount on pints this weekend, and I can’t stress how worth it this deal is. Go ahead, live a little!

SeoulMates is my favorite restaurant name. They hold the title, sorry!

I had a free Bulgogi taco, which you can get with an order of $29 or more. Truly never had anything like this. It was crispy, succulent and sinewy. Could’ve had 10 more.

 

Melanie Wine Bar was a smash hit. I had a sommerlier’s dream Pinot Grigio, a simple yet dynamic taste of heaven. I decided to go hard in the paint and order a hanger steak. Good lord do I love hanger steak.

This was the best I’ve had. It’s bold, y’all. I was impressed with just how flavorful it was, a real delight at the tail end of my 3rd street sojourn.

They’re offering 50% off your dine-in check, so race on over this weekend and eat like a lord a leaping.

Thanks so much for having me, gang. And everyone run and check out these sensational spots before the weekend is through. Check out the full list of deals below!

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MusicThe Latest

Monty’s Good Burger X Postmates Launch After Hours Til Dawn Menu w/ The Weeknd

by Jonathan Tolliver
written by Jonathan Tolliver

Errbody know Monty’s! LA’s finest veggie burger emporium linked up with The Weeknd and Postmates today to debut the After Hours Till Dawn Menu, which is essentially a double Impossible™ burger with chipotle ketchup and pickles on a brioche bun. There are also tots with spicy habanero dipping sauce and a limited-edition lemonade with activated charcoal. 

It tasted good than a mf.

 

It’s $27.99 on Postmates now through Saturday evening, and I highly recommend you snatch that, because Monty’s doesn’t miss.

ALSO, a donation is gonna be made to the XO Humanitarian Fund, The Weeknd’s aid organization that partners with the World Food Program to fight hunger and gives life-saving support to people facing starvation.

“For the XO Humanitarian Fund we thought it would be amazing to be able to donate money to people suffering from hunger through our work with World Food Program USA and have an After Hours late night meal from one of our favorite places in LA,” explained Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye.

Do good, eat good. Can’t go wrong, y’all.

The Weeknd is currently rocking the world on his After Hours Till Dawn Tour, which I’m certain is sold out, but what a dope thing to set up as part of your tour. Big ups!

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