SEP 14: TASTE OF SANTA MONICA RETURNS TO SM PIER FOR FOUR HOURS OF FOOD AND FUN FEATURING 40 RESTAURANTS FOR 40 DOLLARS PLUS WINE GARDEN, MUSIC & MORE

Featured Event Listing by Don Rose

One of The LA Report's favorite annual events is Taste of Santa Monica, which returns this Sunday September 14 from 12 noon to 4pm on the Santa Monica Pier. 40 Restaurants. 40 Dollars. 4 Hours. You can't beat Taste of SM for end-of-summer fun in the sun as you savor Santa Monica's top cuisines for one price (presale $40 or $45 at the door, and a special low price for children). More information about the event and tickets can be found at: www.tasteofsantamonica.com.

What else will be happening at the Taste of Santa Monica, you ask? How about Live California Beach Music by Route 66. An Interactive Molecular Ice Cream Lab. A special Wine Garden area. And how about Jamie Kaler and cast members from TBS' My Boys, who are scheduled to emcee the event. There's even the Great Gourmet Giveaway: a chance to win certificates from over 50 local restaurants -- as well as a Cirque du Soleil VIP Giveaway for Four.

Ticket Price Includes All Food, but tickets are limited.
Click here to ORDER NOW.

Parking

Click here for PARKING INFO.

FOOD BOOTHS:

Acadie Hand Crafted French Crepes
Angelato Cafe
Barney's Beanery
Bon Mélange Catering
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Buddha's Belly
Cezanne @ Le Merigot
Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom
Duke's Malibu
Edible Arrangements
El Cholo Mexican Restaurant
Enterprise Fish Company
Evergreen Tea House
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
Hooters
Hotcakes Bakes
i Cugini Restaurant
Il Fornaio
La Vecchia Cucina
Locanda Del Lago / Caffe Bellagio
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Louise's Trattoria
Ma'Kai Lounge
Mahatma Rice
Mariasol
Ocean Avenue Seafood
The Organic Panificio
Panera Bread
Panini Garden
Rusty's Surf Ranch
Stefano's New York Pizza
Tengu - Santa Monica
The Lobster
The Victorian at Heritage Square
Valentino
Whist @ Viceroy
The Yard

Featured Nonprofit: The Wellness Community - WLA

WINE GARDEN:

Enter the special wine garden area and sample from a great collection of wineries, including:

Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards
Clautiere Vineyard
Firestone Winery
Red Tail Winery
Saucelito Canyon Vineyard
Wine Expo
And Young's Market has provided a great sampling of wineries, including:
Hess Collection Winery
Iron Horse
Wilson-Daniels
Kobrand
Trinchero Family Estates
Remy
Brown-Forman
Vina Robles
Purple Wine Co.
Dalla Terra
Girls in the Vineyard
Treana
Billington Wine Studios

Sample from these great wineries for only an additional $15! Limited tickets available online and at the event check-in. Guests must present a valid ID for entrance into the wine garden.

MORE INFORMATION:

The 7th Annual Taste of Santa Monica is a Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce event. For any event-related inquiries, please contact Sheila Estaniel at marketing@smchamber.com. To learn more about the chamber, please visit www.smchamber.com, email info@smchamber.com or call (310) 393-9825.

SEP 10: "PUSHING DAISIES" ABC SHOW BRINGS TOUR BUS TO SANTA MONICA WITH FREE PIE AND GIVEAWAYS, 9 AM ON THE PROMENADE; THEN AT 6PM ABC AT PALEY CENTER

To promote the upcoming season premiere of the hit ABC show, "Pushing Daisies" takes its roaming "Touch of Wonder" tour bus to the Santa Monica Promenade today, September 10. Starting at 9 am, visitors can get some free pie (from "The Pie Hole"), and giveaways (which, we hear, may include pie cutters, spatulas, magnets and balloons). 

September 10, 2008. 9 am. Third Street Promenade, somewhere between Wilshire and Broadway, Santa Monica. Sounds like a fun family type event, but all are welcome. Giveaways are, of course, while supplies last. More info: www.pushingdaisiestour.com.   

Later today, starting at 6pm, is the last of the annual Paley Center showcases of new Fall shows on the major TV networks. Today's network of choice is ABC -- including a screening of, you guessed it, "Pushing Daisies". We hear the RSVP list is full, but past experience shows that determined folks can often show up to these showcases and still be accommodated. No guarantees, but if you are really into ABC and a polite well-mannered sort, your odds are good.

September 10, 2008. 6 pm food and drink reception, mingling; 7pm creative team Q&A and then show screenings. More info: www.paleycenter.org. Paley Center (formerly the Museum of TV and Radio), on Beverly Drive at Little Santa Monica, Beverly Hills.

SEP 5: LEARN ABOUT WINE's ANNUAL "TASTE: ABC & TANGO" EVENT AT A+D MUSEUM INCLUDES DOZENS OF WINES, DJ, FOOD BY GAUCHO GRILL AND MORE

Expect another stellar event this Friday September 5 as Ian Blackburn's Learn About Wine organization presents TASTE: ABC & Tango at A+D Museum, in association with LACMA

Come sip and tango the night away at LearnAboutWine's annual TASTE: ABC & Tango as we say goodbye to summer in style! The wines of South America are perfect for summer food and summer weather. Sample the best of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile alongside South American-style tapas, empanadas, and other tasty nibbles.



Once you've satisfied your lust for the fabulous wines from some of the hottest producers in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, you can dance it off with free tango lessons by dance expert David Chiu!



Wines

Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Torrontes 2007Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2005Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004Pizzato Reserve Chardonay 2007Fausto by Pizzato Rose (Merlot) 2007Fausto by Pizzato Cabernet Sauvignon 2005Alamos Torrontes Argentina 2007Catena Chardonnay Argentina 2006Catena Malbec Argentina 2006Catena Alta Malbec Argentina 2005Alma Negra Argentina 2004Vina Chocalan, Carmenere, 2007, Maipo Valley, ChileVina Chocalan, Cabernet Suavignon, 2007, Maipo Valley ChileZuccardi Series A Malbec 2007Zuccardi Series A Bonarda 2006Santa Julia Organica Torrontes 2007Santa Julia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006Santa Julia Tardio 2007 (Late Harvest Torrontes)Perez Cruz Cabernet SauvignonCantaluna Pinot NoirParque CarmenereCono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2007Cono Sur Vision Viognier 2007Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2006Los Cardos Malbec Rose 2007Dona Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Bodega Malbec 2005Miguel Torres Chile TBATrapiche Torrontes Mendoza Argentina 2007Trapiche Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2007Tikal "Amorio" Mendoza Argentina 2005Luca Chardonnay Mendoza Argentina 2006Luca "Laborde Double Select" Syrah Mendoza Argentina 2005Crio de Susana Balbo Torrontes Salta Argentina 2007Susana Balbo Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2005Casa Silva TBAMontes, Santa Ema, Kaiken, Norton TBASona, Michel Torino TBAValentin Bianchi TBA

Food

Great Argentine eats provided by Gaucho Grill!
Plus...
Tapas
Artisanal Cheeses
Empanadas

DJ / Music

Dave Hernandez of Bossa Nova returns!



Details


When:
Friday, September 5, 2008
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Where:
A + D Gallery (Across from LACMA)
5900 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90036
(310) 451-7600

More info about this and future Learn About Wine events:
http://www.learnaboutwine.com/

RAMSEY'S AT THE CLUB: NEW UPSCALE EVENT VENUE OPENS IN TOLUCA LAKE

A brand new upscale event venue has recently opened its doors in the Toluca Lake Tennis Club. Since 1972, this beautiful traditional Mediterranean architectural building, located adjacent to Warner Bros. studios on Forest Lawn Drive, has remained a relative secret amongst the local neighborhood and business community. Though it has maintained the elegant demeanor of a private country club, inside its walls is a newly-remodeled event space, public restaurant, bar and patio known collectively as Ramsey's at The Club.

With a limited number of chic event spaces in the San Fernando Valley, Ramsey’s at the Club delivers a new level of panache to Toluca Lake, Studio City, Burbank and the rest of the cities that comprise Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Ramsey’s at the Club boasts three distinct spaces, including a glamorous dining room that can accommodate an upwards of 250 people; a gorgeous open-air patio; an elegant full-service bar; a media-ready conference room for groups of up to 40; and presents the option to utilize the tennis court adjacent to the space for a larger party.

In addition to its versatility, state-of-the-art sound systems, audio-visual equipment and sleek screening room, the space also provides in-house gourmet catering, and is open for lunch and dinner. Ramsey at the Club’s lunch, dinner and banquet menu, prepared by Executive Chef Jesse Genovese, a graduate of the esteemed La Cordon Bleu and former Chef de Cuisine at the Blue on Blue Restaurant in Beverly Hills’ Avalon Hotel, features Spanish tapas, Asian fusion and contemporary American cuisine made with the freshest ingredients and flawless composition.

Ramsey’s at the Club will service local businesses and organizations both large and small, including all Valley-based studios and production companies that no longer have to resort to Hollywood venues or limiting local hotels for hosting events/parties.

Whether it’s a wrap party or bar/bat mitzvah, screening event or holiday party, Ramsey’s at the Club will make your event a tremendous success.

If you are interested in a walk-through or menu tasting prior to your next big event, please do not hesitate to contact Jay at: jay@ramseysattheclub.com. Please visit the website for more venue information: RamseysAtTheClub.com.

TECH NEWS FLASH: GOOGLE RELEASES CHROME, ITS NEW BROWSER; WILL IT KILL BILL'S WINDOWS?

Bill Gates and Microsoft may be a bit worried these days about their signature creation, Windows. The new OS Vista has many haters out there (there are legions of PC lovers who prefer XP), and now arch-rival Google has released a new browser named CHROME. Some in the tech media are saying it's a Windows-killer; whether that proves true or not, Google seems to have built a product definitely worth trying.

To learn more and to download Google's Chrome browser - free for Windows XP or Vista - go to: http://www.google.com/chrome.

Make sure to check out Google's cool e-comicbook that describes Chrome in a fun, informative way. We were especially pleased and intrigued by the part that describes how Chrome is designed to be less of a memory hog than other browsers, because it does a better job of reclaiming memory once you close processes/tabs. Also, if a site or program within one tab has a problem, Chrome is designed so you can just kill that tab and not close down the entire browser.

Another cool feature: the address bar is now more of a super address-search tool that can, among other things, intelligently find recent pages you visited, so that you can go back to useful pages without over-reliance on bookmarking.

SEP 2: NEW BRIAN WILSON ALBUM "THAT LUCKY OLD SUN" RELEASED; 10 AM to NOON BRIAN SIGNS AT AMOEBA MUSIC STORE, HOLLYWOOD; SEP 3: WILSON ON TONIGHT SHOW

Original Beach Boy and now accomplished solo artist BRIAN WILSON is live this morning on K-EARTH (krth 101.1 fm) as part of a live broadcast from Studio A of CAPITOL RECORDS, near historic Hollywood and Vine. The location is apropos, as Brian is now back on his original label, Capitol. Capitol is releasing his new album "THAT LUCKY OLD SUN" today, September 2nd.

Today's 5am-10am live remote/breakfast event at the Capitol Building was a special treat for KRTH listeners who won tickets to attend.

But fret not if you didn't go to that event, because there is another with Mr. Wilson right after! Yes, right down the street, Brian Wilson is doing a live signing at 10 AM today, at Amoeba, that huge music store on Sunset at Ivar. The signing goes from 10am to noon. Those who buy the new Wilson album can get that signed plus one other item. First come first served.

Wait, there's more! Brian Wilson will perform on THE TONIGHT SHOW on September 3rd. He will play live on the show, with music from "That Lucky Old Sun." Later this month, to top off a September to Remember for LA Wilson fans, he will perform at the Hollywood Bowl on September 12, 13 and 14.

SEP 7-12: GREAT AMERICAN RUN ROAD RALLY PROMISES UNIQUE DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND CHANCE TO WIN A MILLION; KICKOFF BENEFIT PARTY AT PLAYBOY MANSION

The Drive of Your Life! 2nd Annual Great American Run Offers Potential Cash Prize of One Million Dollars

The infamous Great American Run road rally is scheduled to set the USA a blaze when it departs Los Angeles, California on September 7, 2008. The event will conclude with a celebratory final night party in Los Angeles on September 12th.

“This is a driving experience like no other in the world which provides the drivers and co-drivers with one hell of a ride,” says event organizer, Tim Porter. The guaranteed starting cash prize has already been set at ($100,000.00) one hundred thousand USD and could rise to an incredible one million dollars contingent upon the number of entries.

The 2007 Great American Run was a huge success with over 140 cars of all makes and models participating. A television film crew documented the entire crazy event, with the DVD set for release soon. Timothy S. Durham, CEO of Indianapolis, Indiana based Obsidian Enterprises, Inc., was a 2007 competitor. Durham liked the event so much he bought into the Great American Run company and now works alongside Porter. Durham commented, “The 2007 event was amazing and I enjoyed every octane filled moment. To witness over one hundred and forty cars travel across the States was exciting, challenging and always very entertaining. I’m passionate about cars and humbled to participate in this type of event. You feel as though you’re making a part of history.”

The 2008 Great American Run route will be kept strictly confidential by the event organizers, however based upon previous Runs it’s guaranteed to be challenging, exhausting and downright whacky. Porter has a long pedigree in establishing road rallies. He has successfully conducted six annual events in Europe and is now firmly established in the USA. Porter said, “The 2008 Great American Run promises to be very exciting and filled with surprises along the way. We knew we had a success on our hands during the 2007 event and now having Durham on board is fantastic. He has an immense flair for business which will hugely compliment my attitude of achieving the impossible.”

Route checkpoints will be staffed by gorgeous “Checkpoint Chicks” and an independent timing specialist company. These checkpoints are designed to avoid cheating and to log the daily performance of the vehicles. Each driver’s objective is to achieve an average speed of 61mph, which is no easy task. The event will also provide the entrants with wild parties, top notch dinners and luxury hotel accommodations.

This year's kickoff party will be held at the world famous Playboy Mansion West and will benefit the Children of the Night Charity. The event will be hosted by Holly, Bridget and Kendra of the hit reality show ‘The Girls Next Door’ with a special performance by Ludacris. The final night is a black-tie gala dinner where the massive cash prize will be awarded to the winner. The Great American Run is not about what you drive, it’s about how you drive and your individual approach to life and the risks you’re prepared to take.

If you’re up for the challenge, want to meet some like-minded car aficionados, or just want to be thoroughly thrilled and entertained, this is the event for you. You might win yourself one million dollars! The Great American Run has got guts, glamour and a real “go factor.”

If you’re a raging bull, a dancing horse, or just want a “gas of a time” contact the Great American Run organizers for more details. US toll free 1-800-619-8593, Tim Porter directly US 714-391-2486 or go to www.thegreatamericanrun.com. Sponsorship inquiries US toll free 1-866-890-2234.