Eye on LA: Carly Patterson

{Please welcome Carly--darling friend and fellow sassy pants--my first 2011 Eye on LA subject!}

Stage Name: I just recently had a life-altering realization that I apparently pronounce my name wrong. No matter how hard I try, whether it's introducing myself or ordering a cup of coffee at Starbucks, the other party involved always repeats something else back to me. It never fails and I have given up. Kylie, Harley, Carlin, Fernando....I will respond to any of it.

Neighborhood: West Hollywood.

Day Job: Graphic Designer at Nestlé. Yes, I mean the chocolate factory. No, I don't personally know Willy Wonka. And yes, there is candy everywhere that I can consume for free (see my thighs for reference).

Moonlight as: Freelance Graphic Designer. Lame that it's my day and night job...but also awesome because my personal freelance projects are where I get to really let my hair down and get wild (in the design-sense). I also have a pop-star sensation alter ego named GoldDust. She only wears gold glitter and her hit singles include "That's My Booty" and "Have you ever seen a B like this." If you haven't heard of her, you will.

Los Angeles is a: place that I never knew I could fall in love with and someday call my home. There is something for everyone here and that means a little bit of everything.

One day in LA. Go: A perfect Saturday could include sleeping in, a bike ride to Toast with my darling boyfriend, a hike around Runyon, a motorcycle ride to Intelligentsia for some to-die-for-coffee, occupying our favorite sitting spot at the Grove (for the sole purpose of people-watching), a daytime picnic on the lawn at the Getty, acting like we belong at some fancy schmancy hotel to use the pool, a backyard movie/make your own pizza night with friends, and drinks at the fabulous Roger Room!

Food/drink that is LA: I have a small burger obsession and have been on an ongoing mission to find THE best in Los Angeles. Current winner: Golden State on Fairfax. Just drooled on the keyboard thinking about it. Also could eat Malo in Silverlake everynight of the week until I die. Chewy chips...need I say more?

Recipe please?:

Carly's Unbelievable Coffee Cake: (warning highly addictive)

Ingredients: 1/2 LB butter softened, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2tsp. vanilla, 1 cup sour cream, 1 3/4 cup sifted cake flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 TBS.dark brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.

Instructions: Preheat oven 350 degrees. Generously butter 10 inch tube pan. In large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then add vanilla and sour cream. Sift together cake flour,baking powder and salt. stir into sour cream mixture. Combine nuts,brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spoon half of the batter into prepared tube pan. Sprinkle with half of the nut mixture. cover with rest of batter and rest of nut mixture. Bake 1 hour. Cool completely on rack. Turn over onto plate with topping end up. Enjoy!

Getaway from LA: The best feeling getaway without going too far from LA is camping. There are so many beautiful campgrounds scattered in driving distances from us, it's so easy to take a weekend away from it all, actually see the stars and breathe some really fresh air! Big Sur, Joshua Tree, Santa Cruz Redwoods, and all throughout the central coast....full of little hideaways.

Cheap Eats LA: Plancha Tacos moved around the block from me and is the perfect quick stop. Fairly healthy, very fresh, super cheap, and especially yummy!

Hideout in LA: If you haven't spent one night at the Moonlight Rollerskating Rink, you haven't lived. Whether or not you want to admit it, everyone has some kind of childhood nostalgia from the skating rink (mine involves Friday nights, cut off shorts, desperately looking for a couple skate for probably 5 years, and instead settling for one of those giant pickles and showing off my best/worst moves to Motown Philly, alone). Moonlight is exactly how you remember the skating rink and probably hasn't changed a thing (including the pickles) since 1998. You can relive your best movies and not even be embarrassed about it cause there is ALWAYS someone that is doing worse moves than you (see my dad for reference). And if your boyfriend went through a phase where he thought rollerblading was cool (he may or not admit to this), he will secretly be really excited you dragged him there.

Clothing that is LA: I have seen the craziest outfits in my life in Los Angeles. The weirder the outfit, the more hip and trendy everyone thinks you are. The person who pulled out their hammer pants from 8th grade single handedly started a new women's trend (which I am hoping will end soon).

Scariest place LA: The DMV.

Officially from LA when: You know what lane to be in on any given route to avoid the 5 foot deep random pot holes. You don't leave the house if it's raining. You pay $5 for a (real small) cup of coffee. You go to a cemetery for a fun night and movie watching.

Green LA: Practically every neighborhood in LA has their own version of a farmer's market. You can't get any fresher, more delicious fruits and veggies...beautiful flowers....all at amazing prices and supporting local sellers!

K-Town or Thai Town? K-Town. If you want a crazy experience, spend an evening at Wi Spa. It's open 24 hours, you get to wear the most un-cute uniform you've ever seen, explore all their different rooms (ice room, salt room, saunas, clay room), and, if you dare, let someone scrub and rub your body til you've got a new layer of skin.

Beachside or Poolside? Nothing beats the beach, but nothing says LA more than hanging by the pool with girls in stilettos and bikinis!

Happy Hour or After Hour? Malo Margaritas are amazing. All fresh ingredients and they have happy hour Monday - Friday 5-7. Monday nights are Taco Nights...tacos for $1! And Tuesdays are Margaritas Nights for $4 a piece! Can't beat it!

Hancock Park or Hollywood Hills? If you are lucky enough to have a friend, or a friend of a friend, or a complete stranger than doesn't realize you snuck into his/her party....The hills have some of the most amazing houses and pools and views in all of LA!

Eye on LA: Adam Rubenstein

Viva la Blog! This title sums up the experiences and whirlwind that come with being a successful food and restaurant blogger in LA. From event catering to working with some of the top Los Angeles food stylists, and attending all of the top food and beverage events in the city and beyond, I sit back and realize that this past year is just the beginning of my blogging and culinary career. What started as a dream and a vision has blossomed into so much more and I owe all of this to passion, drive and determination. I thank the amazing chefs both on and off camera for guiding me towards my path. Weather it is watching today's contemporary chefs on the food network or reading the wise words of Jacques Pépin in “Letters to a Young chef”, as well as having the privilege to work alongside Wolfgang Puck, on occasion the growth continues. We are blessed to have a society that embraces such a strong food culture and live in a city that is littered with the culinary diversity that unities foodies, guests and food bloggers from different backgrounds and perspectives. This idea of diversity is what has made VivaLAfoodies a successful site and a place for foodies to relish in all things food and drink while networking with other passionate individuals. Savor each experience and every bite. Thanks, Eva for putting us on blast on “Monkey In LA.” You are welcome on our site anytime.

Name: Adam Rubenstein

Stage Name: “El Judio”, Rubes or Ruby. It’s up to you, so choose wisely.

Neighborhood: Formerly WEHO, now residing in the South Bay, Manhattan Beach to be exact.

Day Job: Sushi chef at GUESS Cafe by Wolfgang Puck Catering

Moonlight As: Food writer, critic, blogger or whatever else you want to call it. Food connoisseur sums it up best.

Los Angeles is a: Melting pot and a place where you can experience all of the flavors of the world and do whatever your little heart desires.

One day in LA. Go: for a stroll on the beach in Malibu and take in the sights of nature and and an occasional celebrity. Finish up the day at the Malibu Country Mart with a Malibu club sandwich from John’s Garden or head up the coast to Malibu Seafood for fried shrimp. There I go talking about food again.

Food/drink that is LA: Street Tacos and Pinks Hot dogs. Choose your weapon!

Recipe please?

Tried and True“Truffle” Grilled Cheese

Servings: 4 sandwiches
8 slices of Sourdough bread
3 cups cheese: 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella, 1 cup Jack Cheese, and 1 cup of Trader Joe's Italian Truffle cheese
1 cup of sauteed button mushrooms(saute in clarified butter or EVOO)
2 Tablespoons truffle oil
To Taste, whipped butter
To Taste, Salt and Pepper

Mix all cheeses together until evenly distributed.
Toss in mushrooms and truffle oil and mix together
Spread all outside slices of bread with butter
Assemble each grilled cheese with cheese mix and sprinkle top of cheese with salt and pepper
Cook in a saute pan or panini press or place on cookie sheet and bake in an oven at 375 degrees for 10-12 mins
Cut on the bias or serve or cut into bite size pieces

Getaway from LA: and head down to San Diego or up to Santa Barbara or just hop on a Virgin America flight bound for San Francisco. Our neighbors are courteous and provide a plethora of options for zen-ing out.

Cheap Eats LA: Los Feliz @ The Best Fish Taco In Ensenada. $1.50 fish tacos, $2.00 shrimp tacos, $1.00 drinks and a killer salsa bar.

Hideout in LA: Figueroa Hotel, Poolside bar

Clothing that is LA: Guess by Marciano. I grew up in LA wearing the clothes and sport the threads daily.

Scariest place LA: Skid Row

Officially from LA when: you can navigate the freeways and know all of the backstreet short-cuts.

Green LA: Take a hike up to Runyon Canyon and experience the views of the entire city: The Hills, Downtown and the Ocean. Meditate on the fact that you are not stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the 405.

K-Town or Thai Town? K-town hands down. Korean BBQ at Mu Dung San, that’s why

Happy Hour or After Hour? Happy Hour. Because it’s after work and 1/2 price drinks and small bites also help.

Beachside or Poolside? Quite simply: Beachside...If you have been to Manhattan Beach than you know why.

Hancock Park or Hollywood Hills? Hollywood Hills for the views and privacy

Speakeasy or Shake Your Sh**? S-Y-S...because every buddy gets tipsy up in the club.

*Photo by Joseph Briscoe

Eye on LA: Scott O'Brien

Please welcome Scott O'Brien, owner of the hip and eco-friendly store The Green Life in Santa Monica!

You can check out his store's Monkey feature here.

Stage Name: I don’t really have a stage name, but my wife calls me “monkey”. I’m not sure if that is a reflection of how I behave or not. You have to ask her.

Neighborhood: West LA, a very eclectic neighborhood, which keeps things interesting.

Day Job: Owner of The Green Life, an eco-friendly lifestyle store on Main St in Santa Monica. Previously featured on Monkey in LA!

Moonlight as: Amateur pancake chef, guitarist, and painter.

Los Angeles is: a great city with a lot to offer. There are infinite outdoor activities, a ton of great restaurants and plenty of culture.

One day in LA. Go: hiking in Griffith Park. The views are amazing and it is a great escape from the urban sprawl. On the way home, browse the vinyl stacks at Amoeba Music.

Food/drink that is LA: I like raw food from Euphoria. My favorites are the cheese stuffed jalapenos and the goji chocolate balls.

Recipe please?: This is what I bring for lunch most days when I am in my store.

Scott’s Awesome Grilled Veggie Sandwich

1 Medium sized eggplant, 1 cucumber, 1 white onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 6-8 Italian sub rolls, 6-8 cloves of garlic, 2 cups Veganaise, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ lemon

Veggies:

Slice all vegetables into medium size strips

Toss vegetables in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and one diced clove of garlic

Lightly coat a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and fry vegetables until they are charred and cooked through

Sandwich Spread:

Grill 4-6 cloves of garlic and then dice

Mix grilled garlic with, 2 cups of Veganaise, and juice from ½ lemon

Grill Italian sub rolls face down and lightly spread sandwich spread on inside of bun.

Fill subs with grilled veggies and enjoy!

Getaway from LA: Encinitas to my in-laws house to relax by the pool, go to the beach, or go for a hike.

Cheap Eats LA: I’m not sure if there is such a thing in LA. It seems like you get what you pay for!

Hideout in LA: An awesome Italian restaurant within walking distance from my house on Robertson called “Café Bella Roma”. It is the best Italian food I have had since I moved to LA. Totally hidden from the street, super small and intimate - you feel like you aren’t even in LA anymore.

Clothing that is LA: Board shorts. They work for everything from swimming to exercising to working around the house.

Scariest place LA: The parking garage at the Getty Center. I’m just waiting for the day I am 7 floors down and the big one hits.

Officially from LA when: you donate all of your winter coats. I grew up in Cleveland and have no warm clothes anymore for when I go back to visit.

Green LA: My store, The Green Life! Just kidding. Go check out Green Drinks, it is a weekly green mixer that is a lot of fun. Green Drinks.

K-Town or Thai Town? N/A

Beachside or Poolside? Definitely beachside because I like to swim in the ocean. Though with how much I work, I’d gladly deal with either.

Happy Hour or After Hour? I’m not much of a club person so I will have to say happy hour. It’s usually a good time to catch a Cavs game.

Hancock Park or Hollywood Hills? I don’t really spend much time in either, but the views are nicer from the hills so I will go with the Hollywood Hills.

Speakeasy or Shake Your Sh**? Speakeasy. See Happy Hour or After Hour.

Eye on LA: Sarah Counnas

As I answer these questions on LA and think about all the things that make it a great place to live, I can’t help but think that this was my “Plan B” and can’t believe how different my life would have been if I had not come out here from Denver in January 2000.

My “Plan A” was to move to Washington D.C. and pursue a career in international politics (my degree was in International Affairs & Japanese so I had long dreamed of a job at the International Trade Office or UN!). My plans to move to D.C. quickly fell apart and one homesick phone call to my brother in LA at the end of a long backpacking trip through Europe and I decided to make the move here.

I immediately met so many great people and eventually found a job selling software for the visual effects industry – one that would pave my career for almost a decade. My parents soon followed us out here and before I knew it, LA was home. I guess my preparation for Plan A wasn’t all for nothing - little did I know that a background in politics would be perfect training for the film industry or that I would come to know and love LA as much as I do.

Stage Name: Its only ever been Sarah (well, my former Japanese co-workers at the sushi bar in college called me “Sarah-chan”).

Neighborhood: Silverlake – though I spent many, many years in various parts of WeHo. Silverlake is awesome – I love the vibe and mix of people!

Day Job: Technology Production Manager (TPM) at DreamWorks Animation. I’m basically a liaison between our Technology groups and all the productions (& there are a lot!). Fortunately, I learned to speak both “Geek” and “Production” during my former days at Side Effects Software – its come in very handy!

Moonlight as: Whatever trouble I manage to get into in my off-hours. These days, I guess it would be “Auntie-Sarah”, amateur chef, wanna-be TV/movie critic and art connoisseur and sometimes world traveler.

Los Angeles is a: place I will likely always refer to as “home”. My entire family moved here shortly after I did from Denver, CO so this is it now.

One day in LA. Go: A quintessential LA day would be hiking in Griffith Park followed by seeing some great art at LACMA, sushi happy-hour and meeting up with friends for drinks and laughs until the wee hours.

Food/drink that is LA: Tacos, Astroburger, Hot Dogs - I was surprised how much junk food is prevalent here since I thought it would all be health foods given LA’s reputation.

Recipe please?: This is a crazy concoction I first put together for a friend’s brunch back in Denver – its one of my favorites! You can make it ahead and leave it covered in the fridge overnight before baking to make your brunch stress-free.

Sarah’s Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
1 tube chorizo
1 package flour tortillas (torn into pieces)
1 can whole green chilies
1 can chopped green chilies
1 can corn
1 cup shredded cheddar (or Mexican blend)
12 eggs
¼ cup cream (or milk)
Salt & pepper
Hot sauce
Salsa
Sour Cream
Green Onions (chopped)

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray 8x10” casserole dish w/ cooking spray.
• Cook one tube of chorizo and drain liquids & fat; let cool.
• Combine eggs, cream, salt, pepper & hot sauce (to taste) and blend well.
• Spread out whole green chilies along bottom of casserole dish then assemble rest of casserole in the following layers: flour tortillas, chorizo, cheese, flour tortillas, corn, chopped green chilies, cheese, flour tortillas – then top with egg mixture and a little more cheese on top.
• Bake covered in foil for 35-45 minutes (or until eggs are set & cheese is melted).
• Can be served with salsa, sour cream and green onions for garnish.

Getaway from LA: My favorite local weekend getaway is Paso Robles for wine tasting. For longer trips, I’ve been known to go all over the world and seem to be always planning my next big trip (possibly Peru next!).

Cheap Eats LA: Lots of options - I'd say either India Sweets and Spices (full Indian meal for a couple of bucks) or Danny's Taco Truck downtown.

Hideout in LA: Burke Williams – nothing beats a day at the spa!

Clothing that is LA: Flip flops. I don’t think I even owned one pair when I lived back in Denver and now I’ve amassed quite a collection.

Scariest place LA: Oh, its so unpredictable here that there’s no use in defining a particular place – from the ‘hood to Beverly Hills, there’s all kinds of crazy crap going on out here!

Officially from LA when: You actually know where you are going. I was pretty much lost for my first year here (& that was before MapQuest!) – I realized I was truly a local when I not only knew my way around but could give others directions.

Green LA: I love to hike but end up sticking close to home – Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon or in Newberry Park (by my folk’s house).

K-Town or Thai Town? Thai Town for awesome Thai massage (Thai Sabai is my FAVORITE!) and lots of great Thai restaurants to grab a bite after – I love Tom Yung Gai (the lemongrass soup).

Beachside or Poolside? Well, I’m not really near either these days being out in Silverlake but nothing beats a day at the beach!

Happy Hour or After Hour? I think my After Hours days are long behind (but if you only knew me 10-15 years ago – wow!) but I’ve always loved a good happy hour. My current favorites are at Koda Sushi near Sunset Junction and Vinoteca Farfalla – though I’ve been wanting to check out Barbarella Bar and Barbrix (lets go sometime soon Eva!).

Hancock Park or Hollywood Hills? Love all the amazing houses in both – though these days I’m a bit more Hancock Park.

Speakeasy or Shake Your Sh**? Oh, shake it for sure! Love to go out dancing (& drinking) w/ my friends… always fun!

Eye on LA: Michael Piper-Younie

So, as I am sitting here, relishing in the pleasure that Eva has chosen ME, Michael Piper-Younie, as the first to give his perspective on Eye on LA (the new section of her illustrious blog)...I am listening to another Michael!! This one was almost as famous as me but with a touch more plastic surgery (I've only had my nose done or so I tell people).

Nooo, but seriously, I am listening to the AMAZING Michael Jackson!! And, as I do, I feel all those emotions that his music has always brought to me and remember many of the memories associated with his songs!!

The lyrics that I am listening to right now: "Heal the world. Make it a better Place. For you. For me. For the Entire Human Race. There are people dying...if you care enough for the living!! Heal the world we live in. Save it for our children!!"

Not a bad sentiment to live by. I think Farrah would have agreed! And I thank her for all the times she and the other Angels filled that hour after lunch...during the summer...before you could resume swimming...with my ever-growing love of women that kick ass with great hair and hot bodies (Uh Alias?!?)!!

You two will be missed, but I think their legacy should be: help others, be strong, be brave, and stay beautiful on the inside even when the shit gets tough on the outside. But remember, these are just two people when so many other people are dying for pointless reasons around the world!!

OK...now that I have been sentimental and just a touch preachy, you can now read my INCREDIBLE answers for Eye on LA!

Stage Name: Michael Piper-Younie. Well, because it's just soo me! Reallly. I could've inserted my middle name also...which is Douglass, but then people think my parents named me after the star of Basic Instinct which I wasn't! Michael was my mom's first boyfriend's name and Douglass is my real dad's name. Maybe their eventual divorce was hinted within this?!? Oh, and remember to say my name in a sing-songy manner...Michael Piper-Youniee (ukneeeee).

Neighborhood: Miracle Mile...yo! Love it...close to everything but without the bullshit of some of our neighboring neighborhoods! Ahemmmm....WeHo, HoHo, and BevHo!!

Day Job: Actor/Writer/Comedian...ok, technically, unemployed actor but I refuse to work at a restaurant again. And this year is going to be grrreat! The Secret baby!!

Moonlight as: Actor/Writer/Comedian...also, a purveyor of television, magazines, food, etc. And, if I don't start getting more cash coming in, I might have to resort to street walker! Seriously.

Los Angeles is a: City. A Big City. With a ton of weirdos and lots to do! I like that and so do my dawgs (literally, doggees...Esmerelda "Ezzie" and Beatty) :-)

One day in LA. Go: This is all dependent on several factors. Did I drink heavily the night before? If so, not much happenin' except for my fat ass watching tv on the couch. But if I didn't go out, didn't sleep in too late, and didn't feel like hibernating from the rest of the world then.... good brunch w/ friends, followed by hike in Runyon or movie at Grove, then get all perty, have people over for dinner and cocktails, then paint the town turquoise (it's the new red!)!!

Food/drink that is LA: For many people in the entertainment industry, it is a couple pieces of lettuce and a non-jittery form of Dexatrim. But for us foodies, it is the quintessential brunch and tacooooosssss! As far as the drinky drinks are concerned... Grey Goose & soda with lime (no calories yet delicious)!

Recipe please: I just made a Vegetable Puree Soup w/ Chicken & Lavash Croutons from scratch w/ no recipe...yeahhh, you can be in awe of me if you like because it was freakin' tasty! But, I have some recipes if desired yet I tend to make soups/stews/casseroles (all mostly healthy) without recipes so just contact me through monkey in la and I'll hook you up with some tasty ideas ;-)

Getaway from LA: Alright blog readers...I's got a couple "Getaways from LA"!! First, I'm a San Diego native and my hometown is beautiful with so much to explore (once again...respond and I'll hook you up with ideas)!! Second, I grew up going to Palm Desert and love love quickly getting out of town and being in the heat and peace!! Third, Laguna is awesome!! Forth, Santa Ynez/Los Olivos/Solvang for a couple days is sooo great...if you can remember! Last time I was there I was so drunk from wine tasting that I cried at a bar...for no reason...at all...just cried. True! And last but nowhere near least is Lake Tahoe. It is one of my favorite places in the world and that statement has nothing to do with the fact that I was just there for a week and miss it terribly and think I might be a mountain man at heart! And that's kinda hilarious if you knew me!!!

Cheap Eats LA: Benitos (Fairfax & Beverly)...tasty 24 hr. mexican. Skye's Tacos (Pico)...not your standard mama's tacos but sooo good! The Farmer's Market @ The Grove...can always find a lil' somethin somethin different and reasonable!!! And the people watching there has caused many a lost hours in my life :)

Hideout in LA: Other than my house?!? Welllll, the park at the LaBrea Tar Pits has been a place of solitude for me and the pup...now pups...for years! It's beautiful with some great little hole in the wall areas to read, throw the ball, or you can dance atop the Page Museum when no one is there because you're way too into your music and there's like this big open area overlooking the museum that's like your own private dancefloor! And by private I mean, you and the security guards watching you on the security cameras around the perimeter. Seriously.

Clothing that is LA: For many, it's Ed Hardy. Personally, I just threw up in my mouth. But I think true LA clothing is a mix of styles that equates to a "sloppy put together yet not trying too hard but with so many layers of things that you look like a rich vagabond" type of look. Personally, I'm Volcom meets LaCoste! I.E. Pefection!

Scariest place LA: Parts of dowtown on the outskirts, like where the UPS main bldg is, has made me pee my pants a little. And I didn't stop at redlights...just paused! It's either there or the storage facility where excess fat goes after being sucked out of people's asses. It's a toss-up!

Officially an Angeleno when: You are ACTUALLY from LA. Seeeee people in San Diego claim to be natives after a couple years and having surfed 3 times then all of sudden they are "natives"...we, from there, don't accept that! Be proud of where you are from even if it totally sucks!

Green LA: Probably my LaBrea Tar Pits Park again. I, honestly, thought about this for awhile and then realized I need to get out more often. It's kinda sad people!!

K-Town or Thai Town? Neither b/c I have yet to ever do anything but drive through Koreatown and I don't even know where the "F" Thai Town is?!?

Beachside or Poolside? Beachside then poolside after you get the sand in your ass. Both are top notch locations unless the beach is really mud with a puddle in the middle or if it's the pool that is built via the breath of your own mouth.

Happy Hour or After Hour? YES! Cheap drinks are always my friend and, in my book, any hour is ok for a lil' booze! Morning buzz is great! An afternoon buzz is hilarious and nap-inducing. 'Happy Hour' buzz is freaking awesome BUT can be veryyyyy messy if it is then followed by early evening slightly drunk moving onto getting sloppy at a bar where people are just getting started and then topping the night off with drinks at your house completely sh**-faced where you have taken off all your clothes and obsessed with perfecting the art of the haiku! Another true story people. And don't drink and drive...yet, it seems in my case maybe I should start taking the bus! But that will never happen :)

Hancock Park or Hollywood Hills? So Hancock Park!!! Mama don't live on stilts and when entertaining da people's you don't want to have to tell them to park at the base of the mountain and guess their way to your home. Hancock Park and I are friends. Also, my therapist is located there. That sh** has made me less loco!

Speakeasy or Shake Your Sh**? To finish it off, I like to think of myself as a mix of the casual cool of a "Speakeasy"...where you can talk with your friends and hide your drink behind a pillow in the hopes of mimicking the Prohibition style appropriately. AND the "Shake Your Sh**" style of a nightclub...I's love to dance but mama gets a little claustrophobic when it's too crowded AND waiting in lines and I are sooo not friends!!

So, just make the best of where you are and you can always find a good time and some laughter!! Hope you all enjoy my version of LA and hit me up for my delish recipes.

Good night (and good luck) LA LA LAND,

Michael Piper-Younie

**editor's note: Unfortunately, Grey Goose is in fact not calorie-free.While I will fully support my friend Michael in continuing to believe this, it is at your discretion if you also choose to be a delirious alcoholic. Love you Michael!

Oh! Also, take Michael's warning--do NOT drink and drive. Your car will end up in the bushes with all the windows left down like his car did.