“Groundhog Day.” Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell (1993).

Here’s why I like this movie, they kept it real. Of course, they had to have the lead character, Phil (Bill Murray), initially establish himself as something of a jerk. That way, we feel comfortable with his initial inclinations toward hostility when he realizes that each day is a repetition of February 2nd, thus he is living without consequences. Though deep down we would all probably punch Ned Needlemeyer in the face in a consequence-free environment, we are allowed to resonate with Murray’s character while still feeling a sense of moralistic distance. It is a truly genius commentary on human behavior…and simply delightful, if nothing else. Lighthearted comedy, love, humanity: Groundhog Day is simply delightful!

“To Build a Fire.”

Click the ALBUM COVER below to preview “Distance in the Way” and all of my other favorite songs: 

How to be a Social Butterfly.

A How-to On Being That Guy/Girl Who Never Waits in Lines & Always Gets Hooked Up.  

1.  Always, ALWAYS be polite. Plus cool, calm and collected. Look everyone from the bouncer to the bartender in the eye, smile, and treat them like you’d treat a good friend. No one ever seems to consider the fact that most people treat bouncers and other service people like dirt and just a stepping stone to their ultimate goal.  “Please” and “thank you” are a must and again, will cause you to stand out.

L.A. Steakhouse BESTS

Yes, we all know that these fine eateries can serve up a mean steak, but here are a few must-try specialties that you might not have known about… 

The Palm (Downtown): Best Crabcakes. Broiled not fried, and in my opinion the best crab to filler ratio.  These light, yet meaty and savory cakes are served with a mango salsa that is absolutely delightful.

LA Nightlife Hot Spots in 15 Words or Less

Sunset Blvd…

BAR MARMONT

DESCRIPTION: Upscale Lounge.  Non-Wanna-Be Spot; Legitimate Industry Patrons. Classy and Fun.   

8221 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-1010   

SKYBAR

DESCRIPTION: Breathtaking Views. Classy, Good-Looking, Highly International Crowd. Lounge & Dancing.

8440 sunset blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 848-6025

*Ask J.D.* – Giving Thoughtful Advice on ANY TOPIC.

*Ask J.D.*

(Click *Ask J.D.* above to enter)

Trouble at home, work, wherever?? Just need general advice? Have any questions about one of my posts or need further clarification/explanation??  Do share.  I am happy to help.

“Ask J.D.” is an advice column by J.D. St. Michaels that covers an array of topics.  Offering realistic guidance and advice  for all of the obstacles life tends to throw at us.

Ex. Relationships, Work, Communication, School, Life…

Hyde Lounge- Staples Center

The new Hyde Lounge at the Staples Center is the perfect, and I now feel ONLY, way to watch a sporting event (aside from front row seats).  You get to view the game from what would otherwise be a luxury box for a fraction of the price.  Ex. $15 admission for a Kings game. However, it’s more than that.

“Step Off Crazy Old Lady.”

“Step Off Crazy Old Lady.”  A poetic tribute to my neighbor. A true story.

There lives an old lady across from my place. She seems kinda crazy, pretty sure that’s the case.  She stopped me one time to show me her door, complaining of invisible dust particles, as if someone placed them there- don’t worry, there’s more. 

Took her a good ten minutes to explain the dust thing to me before not so subtly implying that I was a part of this grand conspiracy.  I smiled and nodded just trying to get the hell outta there, which was about the time she warned me that Satan was bad…with a most meaningful stare.

Lessons from 500 Days of Summer.

Entertaining and bittersweet, this artsy non-love story is was filmed on location in our very own and beautiful downtown Los Angeles.  If there are two general love-related lessons that can be taken from this movie, they would be:

1. Read the signals, it’s usually not that complicated to tell how someone feels about you.

2. Be happy with what others can and want to give you. Don’t demand or expect more (because it never works).

Co-authored by: G.H.

L.A. Lunch Dates

The Porch Restaurant (House of Blues), Sunset Strip. Delicious down-home Cajun style cooking served in a vibrant Louisiana country-house veranda type setting. The Pan-Seared Voodoo Shrimp and White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding are to die for!! 
http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/sunsetstrip/dining.php

 
 

The Best Italian Is Served With Love

Osteria La Buca. 

Some of the best Italian I have had, well…EVER.  The Bruschetta Trio is guaranteed to delight even the most stubborn taste buds.  The Papardelle Fume embodies the zenith of savory flavor without being too rich to clean your plate (which you will). The salmon is light, full of flavor, and served atop a yogurt, mint, dill sauce- an astoundingly satisfying dish for the calories saved.  The ambiance is cozy and quaint.  The service is impeccable. The pasta is handmade. The cocktails are mixed to perfection. You will definitely want to make reservations because this small Melrose restaurant fills to the brim by about 7:30. I prefer the upstairs seating near the fireplace.

As if I needed to sell this place any further, I wanted to mention that the restaurant has very generously teamed up with the Susan G. Komen foundation and will be donating its October profits to the charity in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

5210 melrose ave.
los angeles, ca 90038
323.462.1900

See also: BOTTEGA LOUIE., Dan Tana’s Restaurant.

Law & Order: Los Angeles.

It’s about damn time they came here.  New York isn’t the only place with crime ya know.  Plus we have Hollywood/celebrity crime and shenanigans.  So take that, Waterston!  To live and die in L.A….well, that’s for these guys to figure out (klink-klink!):  LAW AND ORDER: LOS ANGELES

Covell- Wine Bar

Only a few months old, Covell is a very small but intimate wine bar where the bartenders get to know you, figure out what you like, and present you with numerous tasters until you find the wine of your choosing.  In the Los Feliz area, and offers about 4 savory french snacks including croque-monsieur, cheese plate, and an antipasto type plate (yes, I realize not French, but don’t recall the French name for it).  Excellent service.  Their schtick is that you don’t buy a glass until you are satisfied.  Plus the bartenders are a wealth of recommendations.  Fun, tasty and intoxicating (literally).  Two thumbs up.

4628 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027-5408
(323) 660-4400

Trendy & Upscale L.A. Dining

The BAZAAR @ SLS 

Located in prime Beverly Hills real estate, this restaurant certainly lives up to its name. The decor is classy yet thought provoking (note the potted ferns hanging from the pillars above). It is the food, however, that truly embodies the namesake.

Dan Tana’s Restaurant

Great joint for old school Italian.  Checkered tablecloths, host in full tuxedo, cozy intimate atmostphere, and a virtual guarentee to spot at least one if not two A-list actors. Dan Tana’s is always hoppin’ so I suggest you call a few days in advance and make reservations and be sure to try the spaghetti carbonara! http://www.dantanasrestaurant.com/

The Lounge @ the W Hotel- Hollywood

As I walked into the W Lounge on Grammy night this past February, and after exchanging nods with Slash (that’s right), the first thing that came to mind was the movie Scarface.  Something about the 70ft ceilings, larger than life icicle chandelier, and delightfully gaudy red carpeted winding staircase just took me there.

BOTTEGA LOUIE.

BOTTEGA LOUIE. The non-L.A., L.A. restaurant. Not only is the food delicious (and surprisingly affordable) but the sixty foot ceilings and large open dining room make you feel like you’re dining in an upscale Manhattan eatery.