Tequila Bandera

Are any of you familiar with Tequlia "Bandera" Style? I just heard about it on a radio ad. Aparently, you are poured 3 shots (I assume chilled) of tequila, lime juice and this reddish sangrita (translation: cute little blood - kind of like spicy bloody mary mix). You can sip each shot in any order you like. Check out otherways to drink tequila (other than margaritas) on liquorsnob.com

The Gobbler

Perhaps this holiday travel season you stayed a fancy motel. Perhaps it was as fancy as

The Gobbler. Click on the link and hit "Next" to take the tour. Enjoy!

Don't Go Baby Go!

It's known as The Sport of Kings. Back in the day, the likes of Sea Biscuit and many other great champions raced around Hollywood Park. But now it's just a giant fading memory, a huge land mass in Inglewood that's now home to a mediocre casino and shares the parking lot with the LA Forum (another dwindling landmark). Well, rumor has it that they want to tear down this monument to sports gambling, probably to put up a Super Walmart or live work lofts or something. It's sad really. Apparently, in the 1950's before the internet or GTV or other legalized sports book outlets, attendance was around 80,000 people per day. Now it has dwindled to 4,000 people per day with a little bit more in attendance when young whipper-snappers like me go on Friday Nights for $1 Beer and $1 hot dogs. They also usually have bands on Friday Night like, Flock of Seagulls, The Smithereens, English Beat or Super Diamond. Man, really love this place. Yes it's seedy. Yes it's sketchy. Yes, it's dirty, but it's fun and something different to do. So I ask you, should it stay or should it go now? I'm going to try to go to the track on the last day of this season, this Sunday, December 21st. The also have $1 beers and $1 hot dogs on Sundays.

If You Build It, They Will Tee.

Lately I've been bitching about the high price of cocktails, especially in towns like LA, South Beach, New York, Las Vegas. In pretty much any fancy high roller joint these days, booze ain't cheap. So here's a tip. Before you check in, steer your rental car or your cab driver by the nearest liquor store and stock up on the essentials: bottle of choice, mixer of choice, beer, snacks, bottled water and clear medium size plastic cups. I can not stress to BYOW (Bring Your Own Water). One medium size bottle of Evian in our room was $11! Plus you can take your plastic container filled with home made adult beverage down to the pool. No worries mate! (Clear ones blend in w/ the hotel's better than frat boy red cups, fyi.) Even in a recession, one wants to be cheap not look cheap.
I know what some of you are thinking. "Teed, that's what the mini bar is for!" Well, I think those things charge you for even just taking something out of the mini fridge. You can't even look at the label to see how overpriced the snack or beverage is without paying for it. Ripoff! Do yourself a favor. Fill up that ice bucket (that's what it's there for). Pour yourself a tall stiff one and relax, it's practically on the house.

Miami Beach Part 1: My Kinda Town

If you like late night partying, beautiful beaches, beautiful exotic people, then South Beach Miami, FL is for you, especially in the winter months. The weather couldn't be better. 72 and sunny! But if you don't like 18% mandatory service charges and $42 overnight parking fees at the Shore Club then, perhaps you might want to rethink your trip to Sobe.
From Cuban food to dancing to walking the Art Deco strip of Ocean Drive and Collins Ave to cocktails by the pool and late nights in the lounges Miami Beach has it all. I called it home for almost 2 years. Some of the old hotels that I remembered being abandoned Art Deco historical landmarks on the beach, now looked smashing. The city is more tourist friendly, cleaner, safer and but also more expensive. Like any resort town it has its local flair of reasonable dive bars and sandwich shops, but we mostly stuck to the beaten path this go round. It's still a young and rich man's game, so if you go, bring your wallet and a sixer of Red Bull.

The Liquid Kitty

Back in the day you could smoke in this Wela (as in we lahv it dahling or West LA) bar, but don't hold that against or from it. The Liquid Kitty has everything you want in a drinking establishment and more. It's got a local scene, is dark, has a martini menu, friendly bar tenders, nice cocktail waitresses, DJ and oh yeah, they put a smoking room in front for you old school smoker types that can't not kick T and get teed at the same time.

Take me here. Get me teed.
What's projected on the wall here gives a new meaning to the carpet matching the drapes.

Life's a Beach

Like many MOL's or Men of Leisure, I live near the ocean. I wonder why so many people are drawn to the water? Is it because if it gets really bad we'll just swim for it? The long vast endlessness I believe draws us, just to the shore or maybe a few miles off the coast in a boat. Perhaps it's the sound of the waves crashing. It's like therapeutic, reminding us of time spent as fetuses in the womb. (Also See: Rocking Chairs). I like to go for strolls on the beach. I really don't think there's a better way to clear your head or take pictures of sea gulls.

Pink Vodka

Okay I know the name sounds girlie and some girls probably do love it, but when Leisure Girl and I went to see the B52s on Sunday Night at the new Club Nokia in DoTo (downtown) LA, Pink Vodka helped get the party started and keep it going. Check out their website apparently they make Pink Rum, Gin, White Whiskey?, Sake...geez! Infused with caffeine and guarana (which also has caffeine), PV (my new name for it) does exactly what it was designed to do. It gets you teed and wakes you the hell up. I love how this is legal and other things are not. Anyway, for those of you who like the effects of Red Bull and Vodka, but don't like the taste of Red Bull this is the drink for you. PV tastes like pure vodka (which just tastes like pure alcohol). Goes great with club soda and a wedge of your favorite citrus fruit! Try it and you won't be disappointed. Unless you drink it before you go to bed, then you won't be able to sleep.

Ring a Ding Charlie Blogmans!

Check out the Art of Manliness's "Talk Like Frank Sinatra".

High King

To quote a line from an episode of Sex in the City "Hiking is just walking." Albeit sometimes up hill or steeply down hill, in the dirt and/or mud, hiking can provide quite a bit of exercises and break up your usual workout routine. I like to think of it as practice for skiing. Ipods help motivate and drown out any "Oh my god, I was like totally like whatever..." conversations you might have to endure on the crowded trail. This pic was taken from atop Runyon Canyon, which lies on the Hollywood/West Hollywood Border, a view dreams are made of. It's a great spectacle at night or dusk as well.

Lefty Rosenthal Has Left Us.

Check out this article in the LA times about famed sports book aficionado Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal. Frank is credited with bringing Sports Betting to Las Vegas casinos. He's also the real life character played by Robert Di Nero in the the movie Casino. My Dad said he used to see Lefty in the bar he "managed" in Boca Raton, FL. I think it was called Crocs. Lefty's now in that Big Casino in the sky, probably at a craps table with Sinatra and Jimmy Hoffa.

Dinero as Sam "Ace" Rothstein in Casino.

Histrionics

If you're in the LA area during the weekend in November 2008, please go check out Histrionics, a new performance put on by The Next Arena, a local theater company that I'm proud to be associated with. Please click on the TNA link to see dates, times and credits. This show consists of 5 delightful one act plays that tell a skewed account of historical events and at the end you will hear a song sung by me aka The History Song. TNA events are always a good time and they usually have food and booze on hand to enhance your experience.

Just bought this book. In true Dude fashion, it's sitting on the throne right now for more perusal. There's quizzes, mad libs, memorable quotes, White Russian recipes, interviews with actors and a forward by the man who played the Dude, Jeff Bridges. So it's a great read a few um, pages at a time. I'm rather enjoying this book. It's inspiring me to do less. You know, like, just abide, man. You should know the book was written by the founders of Lebowski Fest a yearly traveling convention that pays tribute to the movie, The Big Lebowski, so you will learn a bit of history about that event. Also, this publication is neither condemned nor condoned by The Coen Brothers.

Cocaine Cowboys I & II

Chronicling the life and times of several drug lords, Cocaine Cowboys is a great documentary. The first installment takes place mainly in Miami in the 70s and 80s, giving detailed accounts of shoot outs and deals made surrounding the heyday of violence and excess that defined this South Eastern American area.
The second movie picks up after the majority of the "cowboys" have been either killed or put in jail. A young up and coming dealer from Oakland writes to La Madrina or "The Godmother", Griselda Blanco, while she is in prison. He becomes her lover and number 1 lieutenant. Both movies are very compelling and give interesting insight into the world of criminal activity surrounding the highly risky and highly lucrative yayo trade.

Reminder for Tuesday!

Roll up your sleeves, roll out and like, vote man!

Then get teed!

The Big Obama aka The Dude or Mr. President Dude (hopefully), if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

Typical LA Vamp

Happy Halloween!!!

Racking Up Leisure Time

Who doesn't love a "sport" that allows you to drink: billiards, darts, bowling, golf? Am I leaving anything out? Heck, they even have waitresses and beer cart girls to help get you more teed!

Back to pool. Those big regulation tables are much harder than the smaller bar tables. The hour long games at Hollywood Billiards last night proved that. We assembled the Hollywood News Team and threw down tournament style. SM officially won!

The Don of Advertising has got "Mad" skills.

Motels are so Inn

A refreshing change from the super hip hotel a la The Standard or giant mega resort aka MGM Grand is the motel. Do not be scared of its meager two stories or its ample parking near the front door of your room. Room service? No, vending machines, but there usually are complimentary pastries and coffee if you can get your teed ass outta bed before 10am. The Sun'n and Sands Motel in Huntington Beach, a prime example, is right across the street from the ocean, clean, comfortable and reasonable. These types of places usually offer AAA discounts as well. So next time you plan on taking a weekend get away or road trip with your bros, consider your family owned motel. It might be cheaper and you won't have to tip a bell hop or valet. (photo credit Las Angelenas.blogspot.com)

TK Burger

Something drew me to TK Burger in Huntington Beach this weekend. Perhaps it was the signage boasting the best burger or maybe it was the location right on the PCH (ok it's the name, durr). I got to check out the overhead swell at the pier, while I ate my cheeseburger and fries. The TK sauce, a 1,000 island concoction was good for fry dipping too. Although, I was irked by the bus loads of people on the street holding signs in support of voting yes on Prop 8 (overturning gay marriage in California) and the people driving by honking in support. Open your minds, HB!

I and I with Ras Trent, Strictly Roots

My Yogi Green Tea Bag Tag Says:

Recognize that the other person is you.

Muni Golf

What can I say about Public Golf Courses that hasn't been said already? CP, RM and I rolled out to The Gritty of Lost Angeles Department of Parking Lots and Wreck-reation Balboa Golf Course in Encino. Twas a pretty nice day in the San Fernando Valley I must say. Not only were they aerating the greens, but also we came upon several gaggles of geese. I think the course makes extra money buy stocking the place with these geese that lay golden golf balls. Look it's a platinum one, white gold!
There's a classic snack shack that hasn't change since Caddy Shack. What goes well with a dog and 24 ounces of Miller Lite in a can? That would be Muni Golf and another 24 ounces of Miller Lite in a can. I did shoot an 80 thanks to the ultra short par 5's temporary green placements, no thanks to the aerated greens or maybe it was the beer.

Mmmmm Kippenberger and Mocha

FYI, my City of LA Juror Badge (yes still on duty) allows me free admission to the MOCA downtown, so on our lunch break I went to check out Martin Kippenberger's exhibit: The Problem Perspective. Mr. Kippenberger sure made a lot of art in his short 44 years (he died of liver cancer). Supposedly, he was a wild man during his years in Lost Angeles, drinking, carousing and womanizing. My favorite pieces out of the many mixed media bunch were the sketches done on hotel stationary from around the world (not necessarily drawn in the city of the hotel's paper). It's like a skewed travel log. The artist also was into some kinky stuff as displayed by some of his sketches of tied up nudes, fun for the whole Manson family.

I'd like to Patina them on the back.

I can't say enough great things about the Market Cafe by Patina in the Wells Fargo Center in Downtown Lost Angeles. I mean where else can you get flat bread at a "to go" style atrium food court? Nowhere, except another Patina owned establishment, Pantinitte at MOCA. I had the Pressed Cuban Sandwich w/ Black Forest ham, turkey, salami, pickles, Swiss cheese, mustard and herb mayo on a rustic roll, pressed "panini" style. It took my back to my South Florida days where they were sold even at 7-11 and are called Media Noche or "midnight" in Spanish (probably because we were usually eating them after hours). Kudos to The Patina Group who seems to have HelLA and DoTo (downtown) locked up. (There's also simply Patina a restaurant in the Disney Performing Arts Center). Below: Behold! My sandwich was served with a side of greens with balsamic vinaigrette dressing (an accompaniment healthier than chips or fries)!

Bra Boys

If you saw Dog Town and Zboys and Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator and you're still jonsing for a documentary, based on the lives of wayward white kids turned pro extreme sports athletes, then Bra Boys is the movie for you. Taking place in Australia, the film shows us the inner and outer struggle of a group of "bros" from the beachside suburb town of Marouba near Sydney. They speak English, but I couldn't understand everything they said. There's great surf footage too (if you like mostly gnarly tow-in shots).

I hate the gym.

Don't get me wrong. I need to shed a few pounds of leisure, but there's nothing leisurely about going to the gym. Starting from when you get scanned at check point snarly (by lets just say not the most customer friendly staff in the world), the gym feels more like a medieval torture chamber than a place of leisure. On the cardio machines, I feel like a hamster on a wheel or more like George Jetson. "Jane stop this crazy thing!!!" And why do they call weight machines Nautilus? What did those harmless beautiful sea shells ever do to you? Bottom line is that I know the gym is a necessity for some (me included), but really? Instead do yoga or push ups and sit ups in the park. Or maybe I should take a class? Have a good workout!

Jury Pool Party

While some might say that reporting for Jury Duty is not a leisure activity, I ask you this. What if reading was a leisure activity to you? What if coming together with your fellow citizens or "peers" and discussing current events or making a puzzle together, while you patiently await your fate was what you considered a good time?
I hung tight with my fellow Lost Angelenos in a room this morning and read several periodicals, catching me up on many current events and it really felt good to finally finish that article in that fancy magazine. I saw others with their noses in novels. At one table people from all different backgrounds sat with puzzles, games and sodas before them. They shared stories and laughs, while they made the most of it.
During our break, I had lunch with a friend nearby. I finally enjoyed this delicious dish at this place I've heard so much about. (Seriously, I had a note on my fridge to remind me to go there). Anyway, that my friends is leisure. That is America! Oh wait...they just called a bunch of names, including mine. Wish us luck!

The Village Idiot (not me)

If you're in the mood for a gastropub with great beer on tap, a good wine list and full bar then head to The Village Idiot on Melrose. My favorite dish is the Steak and Potato pie (see pot pie fetish in earlier blog). Honestly, the burger with balsamic onion relish, while it sounds good, was not my fav. They serve Craftsman 1903, a great lager from Pasadena, as well as other fine brews. If you call ahead, the back room free of charge for parties. "The Idiot" is a great place for a quiet lunch, but is busy at night for dinner pretty much every night of the week, which is great if you're looking for a scene.

Manhattan Beach: Start Spreading the News

After spending one teedful day and one equally just as if not more super teed night, followed by one long hungover day in Manhattan Beach, I couldn't help but wonder how this LA oasis got its name. After a little Googling, it was how I expected. Some guy named Stewart Merrill (not Merrill Lynch) bought a bunch of ocean front property in the area and named it Manhattan after his beloved home town. It's a good thing Stewie wasn't from Scranton or Intercourse, Pennsylvania (or isn't it). Anyway, go to MB rain or shine day or night. Get teed at one of its many bars and/or restaurants. Walk around or ride a bike. Play some beach volleyball and/or go for a surf, but never again wonder why it's called Manhattan.

I Wanna Hold Your Handheld Pot Pie

The Cravery is the perfect meal to go. Recently at the Staples Center, I encountered this all inclusive handheld meal. The Cravery has many locations in the Southern California area for your eating pleasure. The home of the Kings, Lakers and Clippers Cravery stand also sells beer. The delicious personal pastries come filled with chicken, beef or vegitable. It's one stop shopping. If you're a fan of pot pies, like I am and sometimes want something more nutritious than burger and fries, while you're on the go, then this is the food for you. Also, now available at USC Trojan home games, according to their website.

Dudeism

Fans of the movie The Big Lebowski will appreciate this website dedicated to"the slowest-growing religion in the world - Dudeism". Get ordained as a Dudeist priest. Read from the Book of Duderonomy. Oh, there is a god! Behold the Dude-vinci!

Beer Space

Recently, I was turned on to a new social networking sight dedicated to beer. It's part of the Living Social.com Network. Find me on there my name is: Teed McFadden. I don't fully get it just yet, but apparently you share your beer experience with your beers. I mean peers. It's all about beer, people. Did I mention beer?

Noooo!

This might be worth invading Iran. Bring our bottled brothers home!

Dear Marketing Geniuses,

Recently, I have been wanting to try the new 64 calorie Miller Genuine Draft Light. The beer company has succeeded in persuading me in their numerous TV spots shown mostly during sporting events. The SNAFU is that I can not find this item in the store! What's up with that?!? I'm ready to purchase. Do I need to live in a larger market than Lost Angeles? I keep going to major grocery stores and other chains that sell beer, but alas none such luck finding said product. Note to marketing geniuses: if you're going to advertise, please make sure the shelves are stocked in the your marketing area, so we minions can suckle from the corporate tit (pronounced teed) that is your delicious low calorie beverage.

The Golf Hustler: Moore Park Country Club

Had a swingin' good time at an industry tournament at Moore Park Country Club. It's 27 holes of scenic beauty, although currently only 18 are open. The course boasts great practice facilities, a luxurious clubhouse, topnotch staff and banquette services, the perfect place for an organized event or an outing with clients and friends. Come join Moore Park's elite, if you don't mind driving an hour north from metro Lost Angeles. Also, if you're a fan of the show Weeds, the surrounding neighborhoods will remind you of Agrestic.

Mean Streets

In his sophomore effort, Mean Streets, Martin Scorsese constructs what could be considered a prequel to Goodfellas (Casino being the sequel). In Mean Streets we see a young Robert De Niro and Harvey Kitel honing their acting chops to perfect the ultimate unstable streetwise gangster-in-training. The movie is complete with signature Scorsese visuals and soundtrack. It’s definitely worth seeing if you are a fan of Marty’s and Co’s work.

Chazz-matazz!

Leisure Woman recently took me to see Chaz Palminteri's one man show, A Bronx Tale. It was really great. We were whisked away to a world just north of Manhattan over 40 years ago and introduced to the characters that shaped the young man's life then named, Calogero Lorenzo Palminteri. Sadly, the run ended Sept 21, so if you wanted to see it... fuhgetaboutit! Maybe rent the movie, directed by and starring Robert Di Nero.

Leisure thy name is Duffy

There is a new word in my vocabulary. That word is Duffy. Question: How teed can one get on a Duffy? Answer: Very. Invite 2-12 of your closest friends for a leisurely cruise, depending on how big your Duffy is. One can rent this electrical nautical wonder in Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA from $75 hour. It is so choice. Leisure Girl and I rented one this weekend.

Hebrew

We could sell this at Bar Mitzvah. They currently sell He'Brew Beer by The Shmaltz Brewing Co at Whole Foods.

Responsibiliteed

Certain things have come to light recently in regards to a certain upcoming proposition vote. Call it the "Not Get Unteed Bill", which will outlaw drinking in public parks and beaches in beautiful San Diego County. This pic is evidence for those for not getting not unteed in said picture perfect Southern California havens.
We as a society have certain duty as to not get so unreasonably teed as so to harm the environment or fellow tees around us. Whether it's taking a cab when your too teed to drive or recycling your beverage receptacles, please please be responsibiliteed.

Thanks.