RESTAURANT REVIEW: Fresh Juice: Pressed Juicery and Juice Crafters

So, I was super sick for most of August. It was, needless to say, a pretty miserable experience. In an attempt to get better, I tried to go the holistic, organic route and imbibe as many healthy remedies as possible. Naturally, I decided to get some fresh squeezed juice.

I tried two places, both located in Brentwood:

The first was Pressed Juicery in the shopping center off of 26th Street and San Vicente. It's literally a hole in the wall. Not a store. It looks kind of like a large closet. Two people work behind the counter, and there is a refrigerator with all their juices. They have a ton of different options, including a very expensive juice cleanse (lasts several days). I bought two juices: Pineapple/Pear/Ginger/Mint and the Alkalizer (apple, lemon, extra ginger, cayenne - meant to help you when you are sick). The first one was pretty delicious, but almost tasted alcoholic, the second one was super spicy and cleared my sinuses! The ingredients are literally just those ingredients...nothing else. They have many green options, as well. I know this isn't necessarily relevant, but I loved the way they package the bottles - it looks very simple and clean. The only downside is the price.

Juice Crafters was the second place I tried. It's also located on San Vicente, but more east. This place presses the juice while you are there in a huge machine. They also serve pre-bottled drinks. Here, I ordered beet, lemon, apple, ginger juice fresh squeezed. It was pretty piece-y and it wasn't cold, since it was fresh pressed. I also had about 3 hours to drink it in order to enjoy the benefits. I asked what the difference was between fresh pressed and pre-bottled, and the man who worked there almost made it seem that it was better to drink the pre-bottled, because they have a longer shelf-life. Kind of confusing. I also got a lemon ginger cayenne shot. The shot was not as spicy as I thought it'd be and they gave me a delicious fresh strawberry as my chaser. I was nervous that my throat would be on fire, so the woman who pressed the juices did the shot with me. This place was about the same price...expensive.

Overall, I preferred the taste and ease of the Pressed Juicery. I liked that Juice Crafters had interesting shots and more options. I'd go back to Pressed Juicery for juice and Juice Crafters for a pick-me-up shot. But since I've gotten healthy (note: I did not get better from the juice haha...it took many more weeks to improve, and an inhaler), I haven't felt the need to spend that much money on juice, though I could definitely see myself going back at some point to feel healthy :)

Learn more here: http://www.pressedjuicery.com/ and/or http://www.juicecrafters.com
You can buy your own juice presser here: SamsonGreen WELLESPRESS Welles or Peoples Juice Press (Google Affiliate Ad)

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Fresh Brothers

Fresh Brothers is a pizza joint, basically next to Mulberry Pizza...which seems odd. Fresh Brothers tries to compete by giving out small pizza samples outside and near their store to lure in potential customers. This tactic worked on my friend and we went inside to eat.

I ordered a "create your own salad" and a personal pepperoni pizza. The salad was tasty - not gourmet, but had a lot of ingredients and I liked the vinaigrette. The pizza, on the other hand, was mediocre. I got the thin crust style, and maybe if I'd gotten thick crust it would have been better.

You know how when you put a frozen pizza in the oven, the bottom of the pizza dough kind of tastes cardboardy? Just not softy and fluffy? That's kind of how this pizza tasted. The flavors were good, but the texture was not amazing.

I feel sort of ambivalent about this place. It's cheap, you order and then you get your food in a quick, easy way, and it's pretty good. Mulberry's was much better in terms of taste and ingredients, but either one should satisfy a pizza craving.

Learn more here: http://www.freshbrothers.com
Make your own pizza using "Pizzazz Pizza Maker Oven" (Google Affiliate Ad)

MOVIE REVIEW: Ted

Well...this post should be interesting, seeing as how I saw Ted about 3 months ago. From what I remember, the premise was very intriguing and had a lot of potential for laughter and fun. I especially loved the fairytale, storybook beginning which had a real sense of childhood magic and a male narrator. Smash cut to: the grubby, drug-induced, sex-crazed "real" life reality of Ted as an adult. I liked the juxtaposition between little Ted and adult Ted - he really lost his innocence. He went from a sweet cuddly bear to one with matted fur, a gruff voice and a deafening boston accent.

I do think, however, that the story could have been even more creative. There were a lot of crude jokes, but I think that Seth could have played more with Ted being a teddy bear - like what comical scenarios would apply only because he is a stuffed animal? It was a buddy story about a guy who is attached to his friend, and this bromance gets in the way of his romantic relationship. It was less about a guy who is friends with a TEDDY BEAR. I thought this glaring concept could have been a bit more cleverly woven into the story.

Overall, it was funny, light, interesting, and enjoyable to watch. The animation of Ted was so well done, I loved small details like his fur ruffling when he moved, and I thought the general design of Ted was great - he is adorable. I could have done without the ending though. Ted dies and then is magically brought back to life through a wish (seems too easy), and then he continues to live with the couple. I just think that's a weird message.

The whole movie is about a man and his teddy bear, symbolic for a man not being able to let go of his childhood or innocence completely. I think the moral should have been, that at some point, you need to let go of the past in order to move forward as a real adult. No woman, with any self-esteem or confidence, would let their husband's best friend live with them for the rest of their lives. It's weird. I would have much preferred an ending where Ted marries that ditzy Blonde girl he dated or some other female (human or otherwise) and moved in next door, something to that effect. And yeah, the fact that all Mila Kunis needed to do was wish that Ted would be alive again, was disappointing in terms of creative means to an end.

Aside from these issues, the movie was entertaining and I'd recommend it for an easy viewing night. I realize it's not supposed to be analyzed and critiqued. It's not a cinematic masterpiece, but instead a funny look into the life of a grown up teddy bear, his antics, and his best friend.
Your own life-size teddy bear: 

Learn more about Ted here: http://www.tedisreal.com/

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Arclight Cafe

The Arclight Cafe is situated in the lobby of the Arclight Movie Theatre in Hollywood. I'd often passed it, wondering if the food was any good, so when my friends wanted to eat there before the midnight screening of The Master, I was game.

We were seated right away, which was unexpected, as there were many people there. But, it looked like most were gathered around the bar, getting their drink on before the big showing.

I ordered the calamari and a spinach salad. The calamari was really good (crisp and full of flavor) and a good sized portion for the price. It was also mostly the rings and not the little squids, which I definitely prefer. The spicy marina sauce was tasty, but they didn't give enough of it. The spinach salad had spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinagerette. The dressing was really good, but the salad, while huge, was mostly just spinach leaves (not an equal or happy ratio of strawberries to leaves to cheese). It was way overpriced, I think it was $14, just for the salad.

Also, once the crowd started to pick up, the waiter rarely came to check up on us at our table (he did a good job of refilling water, but he didn't ask how we were doing or if we needed anything), which I'm assuming is due to the fact that it was fairly packed.

Overall, I would recommend the cafe if you are really hungry and want to get to the theatre close to your scheduled viewing. I wouldn't go out of your way to eat here, mostly because it's pretty pricey for what it is. Though, nevertheless, what I ordered was quite tasty!

Learn more about it here: https://www.arclightcinemas.com/locations/los-angeles/hollywood/showtimes?origin=hollywood

MOVIE REVIEW: The Master

So...not to be unempathetic...but...you know those homeless people you see on the street? The ones who are definitely suffering from some sort of psychosis? The ones with unfortunate hygiene and blankness behind their eyes? The ones who are withdrawing from an addiction or maybe are still addicted, itching for their next fix? These people can be a bit frightening, because they are desperate (as anyone would be without money or food or shelter or clothes), but also because they mutter to themselves, or sometimes it's screaming at others who exist or don't. They "see" and "hear" things that are most likely created in their minds. Well...it just so happens that PTA took one of those people you pass on the streets and made him the protagonist of The Master.

Joaquin Phoenix, though very committed to his character and successfully transformed, was a fairly unlikeable, unappealing lead, who we didn't truly get to know over the course of the film. We weren't shown what was happening under the surface, which might have made him more interesting and likeable. Most of his jokes revolved around sex and degrading women. In fact, his first few lines were "You know how to get rid of crabs? Shave one of your balls...then when the crabs go onto the other ball, burn em off!" He then proceeded to fuck a sand woman - that's right, a woman that had been carved out of sand. While his crass sense of humor and outrageousness was amusing and had some grit, it was also just really unpleasant. And this low-class gentleman was the character we followed throughout the film; he was the one we were supposed to relate to. At one point, Philip Seymour Hoffman's character (who I found much more interesting and multi-faceted), called Freddie Quell (Phoenix) an animal...and that's exactly what he was. He was pretty one-dimensional, resembling human nature at its lowest form: he was overwrought with sexuality, violence, and aggression. Oh, and he was an alcoholic. That's pretty much it. However, we never really explored what lead him to feel or behave this way. There were hints of PTSD from serving in the navy, but it wasn't fleshed out enough for us to understand. Hoffman's character grills Freddie in one scene, and we learn facts about Freddie's past, but it doesn't evoke empathy, understanding, or interest in his current state of mind.

I think the film would have been much more interesting if we followed the journey and struggle of The Master (Hoffman). He is a man and a leader, who tries to change people's way of thinking. It would have been interesting, to me, to understand his desires for making this faith-based organization, The Cause. We see a little bit of his anger at people who don't believe, but it would have been great to really feel his discouragement, frustration, or inspiration along with him.

The movie was also kind of confusing in parts...and not in the suspenseful, I want to figure this out, puzzle kind of way. Based on the editing, or improper storytelling, I didn't really understand how Freddie and the Master even came together. All of a sudden Freddie was on a boat being welcomed by Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman). I wasn't sure if Freddie snuck on, or if he got a job as a seaman. It was unclear, and that bothered me. Also, near the end, Hoffman sings A Slow Boat to China, a song that has not been mentioned in the movie thus far, and I just couldn't figure out the significance. It seemed fairly random and quite frankly, pretty damn awkward. Lastly, Lancaster tells Freddie that they've met somewhere before, and in the end he tells some story about them working together in Prussia, and I couldn't tell if he was being serious or if it was some story he'd imagined up (since reaching into "the imagination" was part of his theory for happiness and freedom). Because of these small details, it was hard for me to sink my teeth into their relationship - where it stemmed from and what it meant to each of them.

What I liked about the film was the cinematography and the look. The shots were, of course, very cinematic (well composed, well lit, eyegasmic framing, beautiful color palette, etc.) and I especially loved the sweeping, airy flashbacks to when Freddie pursued his 16 year old love. Yep, 16.  Sidenote: Freddie sleeps with several seemingly normal women in the film, and I found it weird that anyone would want to be intimate or sexual with this guy...kind of baffling...and yeah the love of his life was much younger than him. Creepy. I also liked the interweaving of flash backs, reality, and different story lines. I thought the acting was engaging and well thought out, but it was also a bit over done. The performances felt almost theatrical - just very over the top characters with intensely honed, distinct traits - no subtlety, really. Phoenix contorted his face and hunched his back for the character, and while I respected his thoughtfulness and commitment, the choices were so glaringly obvious. Lastly, I thought it was interesting to watch some of the methods Lancaster/The Master used on his subjects - the hypnosis, the questions, the exercises. We were watching an eccentric, experimental therapist trying to understand people's psyches, so we tried to understand along with him.

My main problem with this movie, was a similar issue that I had with The Tree of Life. The movie is in love with itself. The close ups last way too long, and many of the shots are transparently trying to show oscar-winning performances or something of profundity. I find profound moments in small truthful performances or a subtle, realistic exchange between characters, not a close-up for 15 minutes of a man trying not to cry, and then one lone tear trickles down his face. It's just too much, and the goal is so obvious. The movie also lasted 2 and 1/2 hours. I never felt antsy or anxious to leave, and it did hold my attention, since it was a strong character study, but I didn't leave the theatre feeling moved or changed or inspired. The 2 1/2 hours just kind of passed, and then I wanted to get home to sleep.

I would only recommend The Master because it's not the typical kind of film you see in theaters these days, and I think it's always good to watch different ways of story-telling to broaden one's mind. But, overall, I wouldn't recommend the movie...for the reason I stated above. I was not moved. I did not feel. I did not care. And that, for me, means the film was not successful.

Learn more about it here: http://www.themasterfilm.com/
Some PTA related products:
Books:
Paul Thomas Anderson by Root, Colin [Paperback] (Google Affiliate Ad)
Paul Thomas Anderson (Google Affiliate Ad)
Blurays:
N01-0128678 Magnolia Blu-ray - DVD (Google Affiliate Ad)
Inet Video N01-0115597 Punch-Drunk Love Single Disc Edition DVD (Google Affiliate Ad)

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Mulberry Street Pizza

Nom nom nom. Mulberry Street Pizza was delicioso! This review will be short and savory, just like Mulberry's food. My friend and I stopped into the little pizza shop in Beverly Hills (though there are multiple locations). I ordered a slice of mushroom pizza and we shared a chopped salad. Both were extremely fresh tasting and gourmet for a good price and a quaint spot. The salad wasn't the usual cheap salad you would expect: iceberg lettuce, a few onion strings, and some cucumber slices. Instead, it had a variety of lettuce and a multitude of other garnishes and veggies. Very tasty. The pizza slice was thin and generous and not too oily. Mmmm. I want to go back pronto!

Learn more about Mulberry Street Pizza here: http://mulberrypizzeria.com/

24. Show at Barre - For the Record: PT Anderson

Show at Barre is a dinner entertainment experience located in Los Feliz area at the Rockwell. The evening provided me with an amalgam of feelings. Let's start it off...

I purchased my tickets online. Since it's a spectacle/musical show, the tickets cost around $20, but through a Goldstar discount, I got my seat for $15. When I arrived, I had to pay $10 for valet, as well. I arrived to the table where my friends were seated. The layout of the restaurant is as follows...booths, stools, tall tables, dining tables, and a large square-shaped empty space in the middle for the actors (though they do weave in and out amongst the tables). We had a table situated right behind a large column, so sometimes it was hard to see, but all the tables had blind spots.

Once I got there, I was given a menu, and apparently there were specific items you had to purchase, which was not advertised clearly in the ticket sales. I understood that since it was a dinner show, that dinner would be available, but I didn't know that it was mandatory (and the selections were specific - for example, you couldn't get two appetizers, you had to get one entree ($20 each) and one other item). This was also true for drinks. Luckily and not so luckily, none of us at my table knew about this rule, and each asked the waiter individually to explain the rules. Because we are all outspoken independent females, I think he was frustrated and put off, and he even told me that I didn't have to get anything if I didn't want to...so I didn't. I ordered a sprite, and that was it. The whole show was a bit uncomfortable because he kept coming to the table to see if we wanted to order more, and I had to ignore him so as not to indulge in the discomfort. On the bright side, I didn't have to spend any money on food I wouldn't eat (I stupidly had dinner before the show!).

So that's a summation of the environment. As for the actual show, most of the performers had beautiful singing voices, some even awe-inspiring. My personal favorite was Von Smith, who was just on the TV Show Opening Act, opening for Lady Gaga. He also has a ton of other musical notches on his belt, as did the rest of the cast. This evening's show was a PT Anderson revue. The performers acted small scenes from Anderson's movies including There Will Be Blood, Magnolia, and mostly focusing on Boogie Nights. The show consisted of small scenes and many musical numbers from the soundtrack of these movies. It was very fun, lively, and well-performed. It was, however, extremely sexual (since it focused on Boogie Nights). The evening consisted of humping the air dance-moves, faux blow jobs, and fake sex...to name a few of the "interesting" stunts.

What disturbed me the most was discovering that one of the lead female performers was only 16 years old. As soon as I learned of this minor (pun intended) detail, I could not forget it. Juliette Goglia, though extremely talented, would be a sophomore or junior in high school, and yet she was dancing around in booty shorts and a bra, saying phrases like "don't cum in my mouth", and having fake sex in front of dozens of on-lookers. I scanned the crowd during some of her dance scenes, and noticed the older gentlemen in the crowd ogling her body. It was really disturbing. I just didn't think it was appropriate for someone that age to be involved in this kind of show. It seemed like poor judgement. When I was 16, I only cared about getting my driver's license, giggling and prank calling with my girlfriends, and the shy boy in class who I would pass notes too. It just seemed like this girl was going to grow up too soon and become the next Lindsay Lohan - downward spiral.

If I hadn't known her age, I would have been less distracted by my moral stances and more able to fully enjoy the show. I'd recommend it only if you have ample money (because it turned out to be an expensive night), and want to enjoy a different theatrical experience with talented performers. The downsides, in my opinion, include the price, the neck craning (around the columns, etc.), and the crudeness. Show at Barre presents other directors and I'm wondering if the cinematic subject matter would alter the performances, as well. Overall, I enjoyed the show, but the experience in totem was a little uncomfortable.

You can buy tickets here: http://showatbarre.inticketing.com/events and learn more about the venue here: http://www.rockwell-la.com/