Los Angeles Screenings – 2011

The upcoming 60s throwback and Mad Men-esque new series Pan Am,
starring Christina Ricci,as well as the new Charlie's Angels,
are both produced by Sony Pictures and will be airing this fall
on ABC.

It's that time of year again, when the studios and networks put out their best efforts of new shows for the fall. It's also a time when studios are at their busiest and so are most freelance art directors in entertainment. I have had the pleasure of creating key art and original artwork for many new shows premiered at an L.A. Screenings for several different studios, including NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. and most recently, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

What of my favorite things to do on weekends is to catch up on shows I might have missed during the week and I must admit that I am somewhat of a television junkie. Having the opportunity to view pilots for new shows, create key art and original artwork, and even to just being involved in the process, is a huge dream come true for me, as an artist.

As usual, each studio puts on a huge parade of new shows for the taking – comedies, dramas, dramadies, the supernatural, time travel and space travel – lots of creative minds at work. And, lots of good new shows, too.



This year, one of the most talked about shows online has been the remake of the classic favorite, 'Charlie's Angels' for ABC. As a kid, I was a huge fan of the original and after viewing the pilot, I would say this version is going to be a hit, as well. It's fun, the girls are beautiful and it's totally modern with just a pinch of throwback. Too much of anything is not good, but I think the producers got it right this time (unlike NBC's failure with 'The Bionic Woman'). Did I mention that Drew Barrymore is one of the producers of the show?

Another early favorite from Sony that pays homage to 'Mad Men' and to the jet age of flying is the high-quality 'Pan Am,' starring Christina Ricci. From the writing to the acting to the overall production value, this show is obviously one of those shows that is simply done right and with lots of TLC. I won't give any of the pilot away, but this show is one to watch, too. Also premiering on ABC this fall.



Jumping on the throwback bandwagon is NBC's 'The Playboy Club,' starring Eddie Cibrian, of Leann Rimes fame and scandal, as what else? A rich, goodlooking Playboy Club member. I haven't had the pleasure of viewing the pilot for this new show, but from NBC's promo, it looks like another high-quality hopeful for NBCUniversal.

As far as new comedies, if you're a fan of late night's 'Chelsea Lately' (and who isn't?) then you'll recognize the star of the new NBC fall comedy, 'Whitney' starring comedienne Whitney Cummings.

On CBS, you'll find another Sony-produced drama called, 'Unforgettable,' starring Poppy Montgomery of 'Without A Trace' fame who plays a police detective with more than just a photographic memory.

Each L.A. Screenings event is completely different from the next, but each offers the best of their new shows for the fall (and sometimes January of the following year). If you're a fan, then make sure to support your favorite shows and watch. There is nothing the studios like better than high-ratings from a loyal audience. Who wouldn't?

L.A. Screenings: What has changed about the annual event - The Hollywood Reporter

Restaurant Rave: Oscar's Cerveteca

The fried potatoes come with the Pulled Pork sandwich - SO TASTY!

Cost:  $15
Cleanliness:  Excellent
Location: Venice Beach
Food:  Homemade favorites

If you live in Los Angeles, enjoy going to the beach and love great tasting, homemade favorites with a latin twist, then Oscar's Cerveteca is the place for you.  Located in the heart of Venice on Rose Avenue at 5th Street, Oscar's Cerveteca is currently having a public soft-opening, with a public debut planned this week.

I had the pleasure of walking to Oscar's from my friend, Debi's place in Venice the day of the soft-opening, itself, and I can't wait to go back for more!  The menu is full of homemade favorites like the 'La Puente Original' burger with lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese; 'Coca's Torta,' the ancho braised pork w/vinegar slaw (OMG...so good!); handmade masa tostadas; fried plantains; fried potatoes; fish & chips; mac n' cheese and much more!

The outdoor seating area is community seating and there is a small inside area, as well. But people are friendly and they will make room for you. Just smile and dig in! I can't say enough good things about Oscar's – the few things I tasted were so good, they left my mouth watering for more.

BTW....it's walking distance from the beach, so if you are down there already, you don't have to drive there – take a nice walk. The best things about Oscar's is that it is easy, breezy and delicious.

Oscar's Cerveteca is located at 523 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 (310) 310-8937.

To read what GrubStreetLosAngeles had to say about Oscar's or to just check out their menu – GrubStreet/LA

Fear No More

By William Shakespeare

Fear no more the heat 'o the sun;
Nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task has done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers come to dust.

Fear no more the frown of the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.

Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan;
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

No exorciser harm thee,
Nor no witchcraft charm thee;
Ghost unlaid forbear thee.
Nothing ill come near thee.
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned by thy grave.

Restaurant Review: Carney's Hot Dogs

My Double Chili Burger and Large Fries (well done).

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place because it's one of my all-time favorites! Yes, having been born and raised in L.A., I know a great chili burger and chili dog when I taste one and Carneys is my favorite place for chili anything.

With locations in Hollywood and Studio City at the big, yellow train, Carneys is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Los Angeles community since 1975. We use to go to Carneys after our Little League games when I was a kid. Then, in my early twenties, I lived in the hills just above the one located on Sunset and use to visit them at least once a week. It's an L.A. thang. Better than Pinks!

If big, juicy chili burgers are what you crave, then Carney's is the only place in Los Angeles that will satisfy your craving – for the moment. You'll be going back for more, just as I have for 35 years! From a single patty, complete with chili, pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup, lettuce and tomato (mine is without tomato) to a double patty and a huge half-pounder, Carney's has the right size burger for your appetite. And, the prices are right, too.

But big, juicy burgers and long, meaty dogs are not the only things you can order when you go to Carneys. They have a terrific Veggie Sandwich (I only know it's terrific because I have a friend who doesn't eat meat who LOVES 'em!), an AMAZING Grilled Tuna Melt, Turkey Burger, Garden Burger, Salads, Chicken and more! Of course, their French Fries are to die for, as well. (I like them 'well done' and crispy!)

TIP:  Here's a tip from someone who goes to Carney's often – call in your order before you go and avoid long lines and a wait. If you have an order for pick-up, you can go straight to the register and pay for your order. It will save you time and trouble.

Both locations serve the same menu and offer indoor/outdoor seating, a clean environment and friendly service.

www.carneytrain.com

Featured Artist: SIMON VARELA

From top left: young Simon; with shark image from Pixar's exhibition;
a cute shape; (below) a charcoal and pencil of a scene for
'Finding Nemo.'

Last month's featured artist is this month's featured artist and I was delaying posting something about him until his return from El Salvador where he has been for the past month or so. His name is Simon Varela and he is a long-time friend and extremely gifted artist with the ability to imagine and draw detail from his mind's eye - without anything but his imagination for reference.

I met Simon in 1988 when I worked with his then girlfriend – and through her, I got to know Simon (and his brother, Douglas).  I remember having the privilege of viewing some of Simon's early drawings of human figures that were mind blowing. It's no surprise to me – and I am sure to his friends or his family – that he cultivated his talent to become the star that he is today.

Direct from his Facebook page, Simon at
the drawing board on a major project – all charcoal.

If you've ever seen 'Finding Nemo,''Corpse Bride' or a number of other family hit films, then you've probably seen Simon's work – or a variation, thereof. Simon is known in the film and animation world as an 'amazing talent' and has conceptualized and created some of films most memorable characters and settings.

I was hoping to sit down with Simon and find out what he has going on right now, but, I did not want to prolong this post about him and deprive L.A. Link readers from his talent. I hope to sit down with Simon, when he returns from El Salvador, and get more details about what he has done and what he has planned for the future. He's a very busy man these days and he frequently travels between Los Angeles and El Salvador, where he is from and where he currently has family. I appreciate Simon's consent to feature him and his work on L.A. Link and I hope to have an update soon.

To learn more about Simon Varela or to view some of his work online, please visit Simon Varela - IMDb

A Day At The Beach

Debi and I had a great day at
the beach! Oh, and Nugget, too.

Sometimes, things are happening all around you and it's time for a break. I needed a break this weekend, so I called my dear friend Debi and asked if I could go and visit her and Nugget – Nugget is her adorable new little girl puppy. She's sweet and hyper, but fun to have around.

Anyway, Debi has this great new place walking distance from the ocean. Which is where Debi has always lived – walking distance to the ocean. What better place to spend a Sunday afternoon than at the ocean with a good friend?

When I arrived, Debi was rearranging her new place . She had taken all of the books out of this cool book case so that she could move things around and she wanted my input on the furniture arrangement. I told her we should live in the space for a while, so we popped open a few beers, sat in the new living room space and had a nice talk. But, then it was back to work.

When we were done, Miss Nugget wanted to go down to the beach for a long walk – and why I was there in the first place – so we put Nugget on her leash and harness, and we were off.

What a beautiful Sunday! As much as I dislike driving in Los Angeles, it's a must for getting to your destination. But, once you arrive, you're there. And, there are many destinations to choose from in Los Angeles. Mine just happened to be my friend, Debi's, and the beach.

We had a very nice walk down to Venice beach. People are always walking around down there. I love the vibe. The weather was gorgeous and it was so relaxing. Until we got to the boardwalk.

The Venice boardwalk was extremely crowded, I have too admit – too crowded to feel comfortable – so we decided to walk back to her place, drop off Miss Nugget at home and try this new restaurant in Debi's hood.

It was opening day at Oscar's Cerveteca and Debi was hoping they would be open – and they were. They were buzzing with people eating, drinking and hanging out.

This is Debi's dog, Nugget.

There's a nice, big community table outside in front, as well as a small inside sitting area. We sat outside, of course. The weather was perfect. The day was perfect. And, I was about to eat the best pulled pork sandwich I have EVER had in my life. OMG...it will be hard to describe how good this pork is, but I promise my Restaurant Rave (coming soon) of Oscar's will leave your mouth watering and dying to try it. I can't wait to go back for more. Seriously, it was that good.

Thank you, Debi and Nugget, for having me over and for being such good hostesses. My 'Day at the beach' good not have been better.