Piccolo for Dine LA

After hitting up Firefly for Dine LA I knew I only had one more free night to get Dinner somewhere so Jamie and I decided to check out Piccolo in Venice before I had to Host Karaoke at Gabe's.  This restaurant offered a four-course menu so we were very excited to try some yummy Italian food!

Piccolo is located right off the Venice Boardwalk down a side street off of an alley.  It was a little difficult to find and even more difficult to find parking so we ended up parking a few blocks away and then walking to the restaurant.  It was a little quiet when we got there with just a couple tables being occupied but by the time we left nearly every table had people sitting at them!  It was quaint, old-school Italian, and elegant.  Jamie and I chose Piccolo because of the four-course diverse menu.

Look at that beautiful Scallop!

I started off with the Sea Scallops Capesante, and a beautiful scallop perfectly seared was presented to me.  It was definitely more of an amuse-bouche than an appetizer and perhaps that's what it was supposed to be.  If I had ordered it off the regular menu and not the Dine LA Prix Fixe I would have expected at least one more scallop and preferably two.  Jamie's Lamb Carpaccio was so finely sliced it was literally paper-thin. The truffle oil on her amuse-bouche was a nice touch and I actually really liked her choice as well.

The pasta course was next followed by our entree/meat course.  We both chose to get the Fontina-filled Ravioli with Butter Parmesan and Black Truffle shavings as well as the Pan-Seared Duck Breast Anatra with fresh Mushrooms.  The Ravioli was fantastic (although perhaps a little too al-dente for me, Jamie loved the way it was cooked) and even though it was a small portion it was beautiful.  The Ravioli popped in your mouth and was a burst of cheese and flavor!  Jamie and I both agreed the Duck was a little over-cooked as it came out medium and had a poultry taste to it, but I was still proud that I ordered it and went out of my comfort zone to try something different. 

They brought us the Chef's Selection of house-made desserts including a Semifreddo which was amaretto cookies, soft frozen cream and amaretto caramel as well as a Cream Puff that just melted in your mouth.  Both of them were a lovely way to end the meal.  

Jamie and I at Piccolo in Venice for Dine LA

This four-course menu at Piccolo was also $40 per person and although the portions were smaller than I expected I would like to go back and try some more items off of their menu.  Jamie and I ended up stopping at Chaya Venice before heading to Gabe's since I was still hungry so I got a Spicy Shrimp Roll there since it was Happy Hour!  There are so many hidden little gems all around Los Angeles and I think Piccolo is definitely one of them :)

Firefly for Dine LA

Once again it was my favorite food time of year just a couple weeks ago when Dine LA was happening from July 13th through the 26th!  I was able to check out three different restaurants in one week, on top of my busy work, rehearsal, and show schedule, but I found some new restaurants I can't wait go back to soon!

My first spot was Firefly in Studio City.  I had drinks there years ago and always planned on going back but just never made it in.  That is, until last Tuesday after I Hosted my 'Real Housewives of New York City' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV.  I met up with my bestie, Mikey, that night at Firefly and he told me that it was the first restaurant he took a picture in and posted it on Facebook over 10 years ago!  In fact, we sat at the table right next to his photo spot.

My Courses for Dine LA at Firefly with my Bestie!

I was really torn between the Peach Salad and the Corn Soup but our waitress was quick to tell me the Salad was incredible and she certainly wasn't lying!  Butter lettuce, peaches, goat cheese, berries, avocado and more; it was a great size and I'd definitely order it again.  Mike got the Tuna Tartare and it was lovely as well.  Next up were our entrees, normally I would order the Ribeye Steak (which Mikey had decided upon, and that had great flavor) but I couldn't resist the House-Made Truffle & Ricotta Gnocchi.  I didn't know if I would be full when I initially saw it, but there were far more Gnocchi's than I could see due to the Truffle Foam aka Espuma on top of everything.  They were little bits of heaven and tasted delicious!  We closed out the meal with dessert.  Mikey got the Walnut Brownie with Stout Ice Cream and I ordered the Tropical Parfait which included pineapple and mango sorbet, papaya, and lime pearls.  I could have eaten it over and over it was so light and refreshing!

Needless to say, our three-course meal was $40 per person for the food and worth every penny!  The ambiance outside was great; there's a fireplace in the middle of the outdoor patio, and I loved the rustic feel of the whole place including the library lounge near the bar.  I will definitely be back to get Dinner again :)

Masterchef :)

One of my favorite Competition Cooking Shows is 'Masterchef.'  I think everyone gets to see a softer side of Gordon Ramsey versus his more passionate side on 'Hell's Kitchen.'  I also love Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich who left after last season and Christina Tosi joined the cast this season.  I was elated when my friend, Thi, who is a producer for the show, asked if I would like to attend a VIP Lunch cooked by the contestants on 'Masterchef,' and happily said yes!

Giana & I at the taping for 'Masterchef'

We filmed the 100th episode back in February at the Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes and the episode aired in early July.  Being a fan of the show I knew what to expect:  A couple different courses, prepared by two different teams, with a vote at the end deciding which team would go into a Pressure Test later in the episode that we wouldn't even see.  My Mom and I went to the Botanical Gardens in Palos Verdes a couple years ago so I knew the view would be incredible but I had no idea the set-up for 'Masterchef,' would be so elegant, inviting, and fun!  There were over 100 VIP chefs, critics, restauranteurs, bloggers, and guests at the taping.  I was very excited to be amongst so many food people; it was literally a dream come true!  I brought my friend, Giana, with me as well, and after a glass of Champagne we were ready for Lunch.

Our table of VIP Guests...so fancy!

As in any taping of a live show, there's a lot of time you're waiting for cameras, food, and people.  After a quick walk of the red carpet and bartenders making sure our glasses were never empty, we finally got our first course about an hour after we sat down.  There were two foodie firsts for me at this Lunch, and having Caviar for the first time was one of them!  The appetizer included Malpeque Oysters and Royal Ossetra Caviar (which in it's smallest size is available for retail at $144).  *I just looked to find out how much it cost since I had never had Caviar prior to this.*  The entree was starring Duck Breast (another first for me; my Mom had ordered it at Dinner a few times but I never tried it since it always looked a little scary).

The Blue Team presented their appetizer as a Butter Poached Oyster with a Cucumber & Apple Pickle and Caviar Viniagarette.  The Oyster was served on a piece of Endive with a Yogurt as well and really was delicious.  It was light, you got the citrus in the Caviar, and the Oyster was sweet and clean, all the flavors standing out but working together to coexist in one awesome dish.  Lucky for us, we each got three!  Graham asked me what I thought about the dish and I was happy to tell him about how great the dish was and describe like I did above.  The entree was a seared Moroccan spiced Duck with Forbidden Rice and roasted Fennel.  The flavor of the Duck was incredible but according to our table was over-cooked (and I had no idea since it was my first time eating it).  I did notice it wasn't medium rare and difficult to cut but still tasted really flavorful.

Excited to eat some awesome food on the bus ride over to the Golf Course
and then some Giana and Lyndsey spottings during the Episode :)

After our courses we were given a ballot to rate our appetizer and entree and write any notes we had.  When I watched the episode it seemed like both teams had some trouble with the consistency of the Duck and I do believe our Oyster was better but in the end, the Red Team won.  Since neither team knew if they won or lost we all got to enjoy the festivities as well as the Celebration Cake that Christina made.  In typical Lyndsey fashion, I was still hungry and there was plenty of cake to go around so I ended up getting two pieces (I did share some with Giana) and it was glorious!  It was like a Funfetti Cake but better with what I can only describe as Cake Crunchies baked into it.

Cheers to Masterchef's 100th Episode!

Overall, it was such a blast to be involved in one of my favorite cooking shows and also be a part of the 100th episode of 'Masterchef.'  We got a VERY high-end delicious meal, enjoyed some wonderful company and libations, and a fabulous experience.  Now, if only I could Host a Cooking Show!

*You can watch the show here: Masterchef's 100th Episode*

'Thenardier's Inn' at Hollywood Fringe!

Lovely Lady takes Fringe at Three Clubs!

It was our first time participating in the Hollywood Fringe Festival for us at CAC Studios for our production of 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret!'  We had sold out our shows by the time our first performance came around and we were so excited to perform in the Festival to a room filled with people from other shows and productions, industry guests, our company's VIP patrons, and every other fabulous audience member.

It was definitely a different experience putting on the show in a bar and very different staging situation but everyone really pulled it together, including our sound and lighting crew that picked up everything so quickly!  Props to the crew people as well as the cast for adapting so easily :)  The audience really got into the show and we had a couple really great audiences that gave us standing ovations and were cheering during every single one of our songs, as well as heckling all the cast members, and really getting deep into our show.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it and the reviews clearly showed that!  I think my favorite part of our show is being able to share it with audiences because it's so different and fun and there's no way to describe what we're doing accurately enough as people see it and love every bit of it!  We all have such a blast performing in it, the energy and excitement radiates from every single cast member.  

My favorite Behind the Scenes photo from our show at Three Clubs during Fringe...Photo Bomber Nathan!

We had five performances including a Preview Night and at the Closing Ceremonies for the Fringe Festival Awards we won Best Cabaret and Variety!  It's an honor for all of us that have been a part of the show currently, or in the past that started this production, because we've worked so hard to bring it to life and it's thriving!  On top of winning this amazing award we got another extension for the Fringe Festival and will be performing this Thursday, Friday, and also next Friday.  Tickets can be purchased at: www.cacstudios.com using the promo code ENCORE or on www.goldstar.com.  If you haven't seen this show yet, you really have to see it, or if you've seen it before and loved it, come on back and check it out at this unique venue.  There is a drinking game within the show so the setting of it being in a bar is perfect!

After we won 'Best Cabaret and Variety' at the Fringe Festival Awards Show for 'Thenardier's Inn!'

Not only did we get to perform our show in the Festival but we were also a part of Pick of Fringe and the Fringe Cabaret which took place at Fringe Central in Hollywood.  It was very exciting for us as we were new performers to the Festival so I really hope to see you at 'Thenardier's Inn' this time around!

Hollywood Fringe Festival Shows

Not only was 'Thenardier's Inn' a part of the Fringe Festival this year, for our first ever time participating in it, it was my first time seeing shows at the Festival in Hollywood.  There is now a Theater Row in Hollywood which is super exciting since theater has been such a huge part of my life since I was little.  Theater was also my first introduction into Acting as my Mom started taking me to shows at a very young age and I've loved going ever since!

Programs for the two Fringe Festival Shows I saw in June!

The first show I saw at the Fringe Festival was 'House of Rabbits - Charivari in Voyeurville.'  Ian (my Boss and fellow Bartender from Saint's & Sinner's and current Manager at Irish Times) and Jess, one of our regulars from S&S, both of which I've known for eight or nine years were in this show.  Jess came up with a concept for a show and the best way to describe it is a Vaudeville Rock-Musical Masquerade, or what I read in the Program about their style of music being like a Piano falling down the stairs.  It was described in reviews as weird, visually stunning, unbelievable aerials, sexy and mysterious, and more.  I agree with all of those statements!  It was definitely strange, even a little creepy at times but works with the music the band was playing.  Jess' voice fit perfectly with what was happening on stage throughout the show; I just wish his microphone had been louder so I could have heard him better.  The aerials were definitely my favorite part of the show and also nearly gave me a heart attack as this part went on for quite some time and I held my breath pretty much the entire time.  But it was beautiful and strong!  In fact, all of the characters were strong and worked really well as a team.  The music was a great blend with the story and it was a show like no other.  Congrats to the musicians, cast, and production team on an epic show!

I also saw my friends, Jamie, Spark, and Lyle in 'The Blonde and Other Slight Distractions.'  This show was wonderful.  Jamie and Spark opened it up with a Kidnapping scene that was crazy, wild, and made me laugh.  It was one of my favorites.  Both of them played their roles so well and then later on in other scenes played a different type of role, so the audience was able to see their versatility.  This was my first time being able to see Jamie perform and I was so excited and happy for her.  Also, this was the Curious Beast's (their production company) second time producing a show for the Fringe Festival!  Lyle closed out the show as a stockholder who was trying to charm his way into Heaven, being stopped by a Painter/God but who really knows.  My other favorite scene from the show was between Spark and Lyle.  This was yet again, a different side of Lyle, that I hadn't seen before and he was incredible.  He played a Mentally Handicapped gentleman, whether it was Autism or Asberger's, it was so real and honest, I couldn't help but laugh during the parts that were sweet and endearing and cry in those beautiful and heart-warming moments.  Spark was patient, kind, understanding, and professional, and this scene could not have been done better by anyone else.  The show was a lot of fun and they got extended at Fringe so you can still see their show!

Jamie and I after her show at Fringe Central for Live Band Karaoke Night!

Feel free to check out more details on the Hollywood Fringe Website at: Hollywood Fringe Festival and even see details for our show 'Thenardier's Inn' as well!  We've been extended for three more shows and tickets can be purchased at www.cacstudios.com using the promo code ENCORE for discounted tickets!  There's a reason we keep getting extended so it's a show worth checking out :)

June Karaoke

You never know how the Summer months are going to be at Karaoke; sometimes it's busy because people are visiting LA on vacation so we're getting a bunch of new singers, and other weeks, it's slow and everyone gets to sing a bunch.  My Birthday Week definitely brought more people in but was still low key for me since we had a performance of 'Thenardier's Inn' the following night for the Fringe Festival in Hollywood!

Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time"

Nickelback "How You Remind Me"

Allison Krauss & Brad Paisley "Whiskey Lullaby"

En Vogue "Don't Let Go"

3 Doors Down "When I'm Gone"

Shania Twain "Any Man Of Mine"

Rent "Light My Candle"

Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield"

Fiona Apple "Criminal

Seether "Careless Whisper"

The Supremes "Baby Love"

Destiny's Child "Bootylicious"

Pat Benatar "Promises In The Dark"

Bon Jovi "You Give Love A Bad Name"

Gretchen Wilson "Redneck Woman"

Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Cher "I Found Someone"

Ace Of Base "All That She Wants"

Counting Crows "Mr. Jones"

Ciara "One Two Step"

Rent "Light My Candle"

Madonna "La Isla Bonita"

Adam Lambert "Whattya Want From Me"

The Little Mermaid "Part Of Your World"

Wilson Phillips "Hold On"

I swapped back and forth between new male and female songs each week.  I started June off with the first Nickelback song that was on the radio back in the day, and a little bit of a guilty pleasure to sing.  It had been a year or more since I sang "Whiskey Lullaby," so Tyler and I sang that while Adam joined in the Karaoke festivities and sang some 'Rent' Duets throughout the month to prep him for his performances in 'Chicabarent.'  In Week Two I sang Seether since it had been a while and my new song was Destiny's Child "Bootylicious."  I'm just adding a whole bunch of their songs to my History folder!  We got busy over my Birthday Week at Karaoke and my new song was "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana; a fun and challenging song to sing.  The last week in June was so slow, we all sang a ton, and I sang some more music I hadn't sang in a while.  We had a bunch of us in from CAC and my new song was "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna.  I've always loved hearing people sing it, so this was my chance to give my own spin.

More Summer Karaoke is coming at you in July :)  You can join in on the fun at Gabe's when I'm Hosting Karaoke on Wednesday nights starting at 9 pm at 2965 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025.