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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!