Taste of Abbot Kinney - A Community Success Story!

Barbara Goodhill, Inside Out Community Arts and Chef Joe Miller

Taste of Abbot Kinney 2011 was a benefit  was an all around success story for Inside Out Community Arts in Venice! According to Barbara Goodhill, Director of Advancement at the organization, "...our goal as an organization was to create a great event that everyone enjoyed!! We wanted plenty of food and drink and to be sure that all guests, restaurauteurs, merchants and community members had fun and felt good about the event.  I think we achieved this goal.  We wanted to move past  the problems generated by last year's event.  Financially, we brought in about $25,000 this year "

Adam Gertler, Food Channel Network

 The Event Chair was Joe Miller from Joe's Restaurant, a Venice "institution" known for it's exceptional cuisine. During the VIP Reception, which featured Venice restaurants combined with wine distributors, Joe served up an amazing paella dish. The reception's VIP Host was Adam Gertler from the Food Channel Network and The Cooking Channel fame.

 All the food and drink served was exceptional! The VIP Reception was a new concept this year and was a real success! It brought together the participating restarants, guests who attended, volunteers and included a silent auction, giftbags for the guests and Chef Joe Miller demonsttating  how he made the paella dish; that, in addition to Fiat showcasing their cute new car and giving out gift bags. The sushi from Chef Shima was amazing as always and Creme Caramel served up the most amazing flavors of bread pudding, the chocolate walnut one was simply scrumptious!

The reception was followed by tastings at each participating restaurant. Joe's served it's famous mushroom ravioli (my favorite) with a really yummy cocktail. Primitivo served a bacon wrapped date while Lilly's served flamiche, a warm goat cheese tart, plus apple tart with a strawberry lemonade martini. The Other Room served an outstanding glass of South African Cabernet or a choice of a fine beer. The event was well run and  efficient with all the guests happily fed, while contributing to a great community arts organization! See our Event Photo Gallery!

Just in Time for Halloween!

Sinners & Saints is the devilishly delectable new bakery in Venice at 2547 Lincoln Blvd. They feature vegan and gluten free baked goods and tradtional baked goods too. The chocolate brownies with nuts are absolutely heavenly!

 These are some of the treats you might consider for Halloween - or any day of the week, with or without the guilt:

- made to order filled mini cannollis (pistachio, chocolate & siciliani)

- salted caramel chocolate truffle tart

- candy caramel apples

- blue velvet cupcakes with goat cheese frosting

- halloween cake pop bouquet

Sinners & Saints
2547 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
310.970.2332
www.sinnersandsaintsdesserts.com

Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday:12 noon to 6 pm
Monday and Tuesday by appointment only

Get Your Beauty ON at The Harlot Salon!

Did you know you can get your hair styled and makeup done at The Harlot Salon in Venice? Stylist & Makeup Artist Maria Valdez is there to serve clients a double dose of beauty!  Whether it's an evening out with the girls or a Hollywood event she will create the look you desire. 

Find out more about her on  the AK Spotlight page.

Art Meets Fashion!

Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer has a free flowing abstract painting style that lends itself to some beautiful apparel seen in the fall fashion line at Babakul, in the Fred Segal shops in Santa Monica.

Her original art is watercolor and mixed media paintings. The paintings are also on display at the store and available for purchase. Her resin wood block paintings are a limited edition series exclusively for Babkul and are great for gifts.



See Michelle Oppenheimer's art and apparel at:
Babkul at Fred Segal
500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

See Michelle Oppenheimer's Online Art Gallery

Taste of Abbot Kinney this Sunday, October 23

VENICE, CA Inside Out Community Arts’ The Taste of Abbot Kinney will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The redesigned event includes a VIP Tasting Package (3:00 – 6:30 pm), and a Tasting Tour Package  (4:00 - 6:30 pm).  

2011 Event Chair, Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant- celebrating his 20th Anniversary on Abbot Kinney--will headline the VIP Reception that will be hosted by The Food Network's Adam Gertler and will include a DJ, live music, exclusive tastes, cocktails and demonstrations from some of the street’s Executive Chefs including Joe Miller and Yoshi Shima.  

Participating Restaurants Include:

Joe’s Restaurant
Lilly’s French Cafe & Bar
Primitivo Wine Bar
Otheroom
3 Square Cafe & Bakery
Hal’s
Casa Linda
The General Store/Pop Up Gallery
Abbot’s Habit
Lemonade

Event highlights include food and wine tastings from participating Abbot Kinney restaurants and local wineries, an opportunity drawing of fine hotel & restaurant packages and an Event Book that will feature recipes and Chef Bios.  The event benefits Inside Out Community Arts, instrumental in changing the lives of LA’s under-served middle and high school youth since 1996 with after school arts education.

Ticket packages must be purchased online in advance of the event. See below for details.

Order Tickets Here: www.insideoutca.org

VIP Reception + Tasting Tour - 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Ticket Price: $100 (online only)

From 3:00 PM - 4:00 pm, the VIP guests will enjoy a relaxing environment with a live DJ and chef demonstrations by Chef Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant and Bar Pintxo, and Yoshi Shima of Shima.  From 4:00 - 4:30 PM VIP guests can get an early start/VIP only on the Tasting Tour, or stay at the reception space a little longer. 

Restaurant offerings in the VIP reception will include: Yoshi Shima’s spicy tuna roll, avocado roll, and radicchio & cabbage salad,  vegetarian paella tastes from Event Chair Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant, appetizers from Gjelina, select wines from Calstar Cellar and Primitivo, as well as Primitivo’s signature stuffed medjol dates.  Additionally VIP guests will enjoy The Tasting Kitchen’s signature Bloody Mary with Kanon Organic Vodka, and an assortment of treats from Creme Caramel LA.  Additional surprises await, along with a VIP Only gift bag filled with exception treats.



The reception venue at 901 Abbot Kinney will stay open until 6:30 PM music and access for all guests to our Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing.  All guests will receive the exclusive Inside Out Community Arts Taste of Abbot Kinney Event Book with recipes, bios and insider info from the chefs and mixologists of Abbot Kinney.

All guests are invited to take part in our Silent Auction featuring hotel packages at Hotel Erwin, Hotel Wilshire, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, sculpture and paintings by Ellie Riley, and other items.  All guests are also invited to participate in our Opportunity Drawing which will feature special items from Abbot Kinney merchants, tickets to LACMA’s “California Design” exhibit, and packages at local restaurants including James Beach, Gjelina and Terranea Resort.

Please note: Winners of Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing will be announced the week after the event.

Order Tickets Here: www.insideoutca.org
 
Reception + Tasting Tour Package: 4:00 - 6:30 PM
Ticket Price: $60 (online only)

Tasting Tour ticket holders will enjoy tastes from all participating restaurants on the street from 4:00 - 6:30 PM. 

Guests will enjoy a relaxing environment with a live DJ and chef demonstrations by Chef Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant and Bar Pintxo, and Yoshi Shima of Shima.  

Restaurant offerings in the VIP reception will include: Yoshi Shima’s spicy tuna roll, avocado roll, and radicchio & cabbage salad,  vegetarian paella tastes from Event Chair Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant, appetizers from Gjelina, select wines from Calstar Cellar and Primitivo, as well as Primitivo’s signature stuffed medjol dates.  Additionally VIP guests will enjoy The Tasting Kitchen’s signature Bloody Mary with Kanon Organic Vodka, and an assortment of treats from Creme Caramel LA.  The reception venue at 901 Abbot Kinney will stay open until 6:30 PM music and access for all guests to our Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing.  All guests will receive the exclusive Inside Out Community Arts Taste of Abbot Kinney Event Book with recipes, bios and insider info from the chefs and mixologists of Abbot Kinney.

All guests are invited to take part in our Silent Auction featuring hotel packages at Hotel Erwin, Hotel Wilshire, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, sculpture and paintings by Ellie Riley, and other items.  All guests are also invited to participate in our Opportunity Drawing which will feature special items from Abbot Kinney merchants, tickets to LACMA’s “California Design” exhibit, and packages at local restaurants including James Beach, Gjelina and Terranea Resort.

Please note: Winners of Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing will be announced the week after the event.

Order Tickets Here: www.insideoutca.org

Venice Art Crawl Thursday, Oct.20

Windward Circle Photo: Courtesy Occupy Venice

Special Venice Art Crawl with Occupy Venice Joining in the mix!
Occupy Venice will host live music starting at 6pm tomorrow night at Windward Circle, so this is a must attend part of the evening! It would not be Venice without a mashup of art, music, politics and social causes. Head over to the circle!

Join Occupy Venice on Facebook with 1000 Venetians!

Canal Club will host an artist reception from 6-10pm featuring art by Joan Scheibel and Mia DelCasino. Canal Club has supported the Art Crawl from the start and Dan Samakow one of the owners is also a founder of Art Crawl. Make sure to check out the back room for  great art and good tunes!

The Momentum X is back with 4 fab artists:
John Sargent Barnard
Mary Delioussina
Jess Sluder
Shana Koenig

accompanied by dj's spinning the tunes and live music. Art mediums will range from paintings and light installations to photography and drawings.
21+ show id at door.
Venice Beach House 904 Pacific Ave.

Yes, there's more! Figtree's will host artist Pepe Pelaez and have live music during the evening.  429 Ocean Front Walk, 2 blocks south of Rose.

 It's not your average portrait, it's Gorilla Portrait Party at 1320MAIN with Isabelle Alford-Lago, Katie Ryan, David Zentz, Fukuda John and film shorts throught the night. 1320 Main Street, 1 block north of Windward Circle

Just added! CON ARTIST screens tonight  at 7pm, followed by a Skype Q&A with Director Michael Sladek. Get info here

The Sky's the Limit!

Life's a beach says it all when you're here at Latitude 33 with its breathtaking views of the beach and ocean, located in the unique Venice/Marina del Rey neighborhood, just 3 blocks from the beach.

The penthouse at the Sky Collection is truly amazing with the beach, ocean and pier in view every day, complemented by the Italian cabinets, furnishings and granite counter tops, all with a tasteful, modern flair. That topped off with on-site concierge service and top of the line amenities makes for luxurious living.

The Boardwalk Collection brings urban charm to townhomes and single level units with an eclectic mix of floorplan options.

The Beach Collection features three level contemporary beach bungalows with private gardens, just steps from the canals shops restaurants and the beach.

All 3 collections at Latitude 33 are conveniently located on Washington Blvd. in the Marina, literally across the street from Venice, down the street from the pier and beaches, shopping and restaurants in a casual and contemporary setting that can only be found in this unique neighborhood.

Occupy the Venice Post Office Friday Oct. 21 4:30-6pm!

The mural you're seeing above is by well known artist, Edward Biberman in the Venice Post Office an historic WPA building that the Post Office wants to sell to the highest bidder, without any regard to the input of the Venice Community, City of Los Angeles or California Coastal Commission regulations that are in place. That includes a joint letter  appealing the decision from Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

If you are interested in saving this historic structure along with it's mural by a seminal artists with works displayed in The Met, The Whitney and The Corcoran to name a few and currently on display at the American Jewish University as part of the Pacific Standard Time show, then make a point of joining the Save the Venice Post Office Task Force and friends that support our community!

To get more background on the situation, see the links to our previous posts below and Join the Save the Venice Post Office Facebook page too!

Abbot Kinney First Fridays.com, Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays in Venice ...

Jul 26, 2011

The Venice Post Office is a building of historical and architectural significance to the Venice community with its current status in jeopardy. A brief background on the issue: the US Post Office wants to move the Post Office on ...

Art Reception and VNC Special Meeting on Post

Jul 28, 2011

See the previous post below for more information on the Post Office debacle and make sure to participate in this important meeting. At Tuesday's meeting, Suzanne Zada a trustee for well-known artist Edward Bieberman who ...

InStyle Magazine features The Harlot Salon

The Harlot Salon featured in InStyle Magazine: see the October Style Secrets issue!

The salon has only been open since March and the word is spreading well outside the Venice neighborhood that this is the place for hair, whether it's for a new style, color, blow dry or makeup.

This hidden treasure is in a beautifully renovated Venice beach bungalow, close to the corner of Venice Blvd. and Abbot Kinney Blvd. on the northeast side of the street, behind e-cookie. Follow the driveway with the cool metal sign hanging above to the stylish grey and pink cottage where hair transformations (some say miracles) take place daily!

The Harlot Salon

310.399.6525

1641 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice CA 90291

Featured Event: Artist's Open Studio in Venice on Friday

Heart 1 water color by Michelle Oppenheimer

This Friday from 5-8pm you will be treated to a Venice Artist's Open House/Studio featuring: Michelle Oppenheimer, Stephanie Visser and Gary Palmer.  See some inspiring art, chat with the artists and have a drink. The studio is located at 361 Vernon Ave., (near 4th) with plentiful parking.

Over the past 10 years, Venice mixed media artist Michelle Oppenheimer has become well known for composing paintings that capture the imaginative and organic possibilities of abstract watercolor. Her art has been heralded for its calming and therapeutic nature: a true reflection of the artist herself. Beautiful and transformative in her focused use of the medium, patrons enjoy the healing power that an original painting or print brings into their space. Michelle’s skilled blending of color and texture has earned her national acclaim, with representation at LACMA Sales and Rentals and Exhibitions at Bergamot Station, as well as numerous supplementary showings at galleries across the country. Her prints can be purchased at Z Gallerie and Macy’s, and adorn the walls of many exclusive boutique hotels nation wide.

See more art on Michelle's website.

Live Music, Art Openings, Other Venice Film Festival this Week in Venice!

AKFF Events Listings from October 12-16:
There are some excellent events to choose from this week!

Venice Photographer Sunny Bak's recent show festuring the Beastie Boys from their 86' tour, named Boys and Dogs continues at Hold Up Art 358 E. 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.  Sunny has photographed celebrities such as Madonna, 10,000 Maniacs, Gregory Peck, Keanu Reeves, Seth Green, and others, plus dogs, dressed as celebrities in a parody of People Magazine. The show gives you a good reason to trek out of Venice to Downtown.

Wednesday: Suzy Williams sings live at Danny's, free show from 7-10. Remember that Happy Hour ends at 7 at Danny's, so get there early to take advantage of food & drink specials! The house wine by the glass is quite tasty!

Thursday: Opening at LA Lover 6-8pm, Gajin Fujita. Also, the premiere of 11th Annual The Other Venice Film Festival at Beyond Baroque is tonight at 6pm, produced by Venice's own, Ruby De La Casas. The international festival featuring independent films, shorts, experimental and even children's programming that embodies the spirit of Venice runs thru Sunday. Info & Tickets.

Michelle Oppenheimer, Mixed Media Artist

Friday: Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer has an Open House at her new studio on Friday from 5-8pm, 361 Vernon Ave., (near 4th.)  Plus, Artists Stephanie Visser and
Gary Palmer will exhibit their art.


Friday & Saturday: The Other Venice Film Festival continues. Make sure to catch the music videos on Saturday night at 9pm with the rockin' band, Ship of the Rising Sun & the After Party! Get your tickets as this is sure to sell out. Friday  screens the shorts and films in competition for the Abbot Award starting at 9pm, such as, Admissions, starring Academy Award nominee James Cromwell, "Admissions" tells a transformational tale about what it takes to find lasting peace. There are also movies during the day.

Sunday: It's Blues Sunday at The Talking Stick from 7-10pm and it's FREE! Featuring Tom Gramlich and Music Miles. Last day of The Other Venice Film Festival at Beyond Baroque!

Plus make sure to catch Pacific Standard Time, the art show celebrating Los Angeles artists across the city. There is an opening Sunday from 3-5pm, featuring the art of Edward Biberman, who is known for his Venice mural at the Post Office on Windward Circle; the opening is at The American Jewish University in The Bornstein Gallery, located at  15600  Mulholland Drive LA 90077  in the Bel Air neighborhood).

For those of you who are interested in saving the Venice Post Office and the Edward Biberman mural from a contentious sale by the USPS, see the Facebook Group, Save the Venice Post Office. The Save the Venice Post Office Task Force meets Sunday at 6pm, meeting location TBA. The AKFF blog is proud to be part of this effort. See our past postings for more info:

Save the Venice Post Office, Article 1
Save the Venice Post Office, Article 2

Were you at First Fridays? AKFF Event Roundup

See more photos in our AKFF 1st Fridays photo album!

Join us at First Friday on Abbot Kinney - October 7

The AK Blog Crew will be at  First Friday, shooting videos for our NEW YouTube Channel and look forward to seeing you there! Just added new events see below!

The Harlot Salon Hosts a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at 1st Friday!
Proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Join the salon from 6-10pm for food and drinks on the patio plus the fun filled Goddess Bazaar:

* Silent Auction - There will be dinners from top Abbot Kinney restaurants, framed art work, personal training services, organic facials and hair services from The Harlot Salon, more

* "Think Pink" Styling Station - A station were guests can get a pink feather, a pink hair strand and/or pink nail polish applied for donations as well.

* Belly Dancing Classes - Val Macias, the receptionist at the salon is a dancer and will teach mini (15 minutes) Belly Dancing classes to guests for a donation.

The Harlot Salon is located on the north east side of Abbot Kinney Blvd. (close to Venice Blvd.) in a cottage behind the e-Cookie clothing store. Get more info

The Harlot Salon Fundraiser Benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Friday, October 7, 6-10 p.m.
$8 cash at door
1641 Abbot Kinney Boulevard Venice CA 90291 310.399.6625

Check out our video from First Friday Last Month!

Very Venice Art & Design Gallery:
Hosting a Special Exhibit in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness

Check out our video above from Very Venice, a new art gallery from last month's 1st Friday. Three Los Angeles-based fine artists, Michelle Ferrera, Karrie Ross, and Rachel Partiali, are presenting their artwork that depicts their unique journeys of health and healing. A percentage of their proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Inc. Michelle Ferrera uses simple tools, raw wood and pencil, to draw self-portraits that uncover the unadorned truth about her body. Her work seeks a deeper understanding of the human form, driven by her bout with breast cancer at an early age. Karrie Ross will be displaying her famous bustiers and her popular “My Breasts Talking” book series. As a special treat, Ross will be signing her books on Friday evening! Rachel Partiali will feature her portrait entitled, “Unconditional Love”, which demonstrates the importance of love and connection in our most intimate relationship: our relationship with our self. 1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 10am - 10pm

Check out our Videos for more 1st Fridays Fun!

Live music with Grammy Nominee John Beasley Quartet at Joe's
Join us for LIVE music on the patio featuring the tunes of John Beasley, a legendary icon in the jazz world and key boardist for Miles Davis. Book a table between 6-7PM and receive a complimentary glass of wine with a purchase of an entree or bar item.  Music 7-11pm 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Bohemian Exchange: Halloween Sale, Henna & Hair Extensions!
 Bohemian Exchange will have refreshments, henna and hair extensions! Also this First Friday is our Halloween Sale kickoff. We'll have masks, feather one-eyed masks, feather headdresses, leather hip wraps, belly dance accessories, chain wings, witchy and vintage-y dresses, top hats, feather wigs, teeeny-tiny hats, flapper accessories, fairy wear, hippie wear, all kinds of Burner-esque wear, and soooo much more!! Stuff for costumes that you can also wear all year round and look awesome!
1358 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
See more 1st Fridays Videos here!

Art Reception at Westside Properties 
Westside Properties is excited to present the work of Joy Scopa: Getting the Girl. The event starts at:
5pm - 9pm, 2814 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Artists Statement from Joy Scopa:
In my current project, Getting The Girl, I have focused on key movies from my childhood, in which the lead male role left an imprint of himself on me. I’ve isolated particular scenes that resonate with me most. Scenes that are eerily familiar and sometimes made me feel like I was staring in a mirror or watching myself on the screen. This observation lead me to question what gender really means, where it comes from and how we ultimately “learn” or model ourselves after particular male and female roles. I quickly began to realize that I had in some respects “become” the leading man. Throughout the films I caught glimpses of mannerisms, gestures, facial expressions, clothing and in some cases, attitude and outlook that resembled my own behaviors. They had literally actualized themselves into my being. They taught me how to dress, how to balance being sweet with a little dickhead swagger, how to be the geek and still be cool, how to make a girl swoon, how to be thoughtful and protective, how to be the hero, the guy that all the girls daydream about; their own personal Jake Ryan, John Bender, and Dallas Winston. Ultimately, they taught me how to Get the Girl.

Check out the  Fireplaces at Brasa!Plus enjoy good times there! This amazing outdoor space is home to portable outdoor & indoor fireplaces. Cozy up to the fire and get social over at Brasa. 1648 Abbot Kinney Blvd close to Venice Bl.