Ey Up Breeps!
Seems like we have a slew of Midlanders descending on the golden coast recently and being from Nottingham myself, this makes me happy!
Eileen and I took visit to Birch, the new restaurant from star chef and fellow Midlander Brendan Collins which opened recently on Cahuenga just south of Hollywood Boulevard. A step in the right direction to gentrifying the skanky part of town, the restaurant’s clean lines and Scandinavian style interior drew us in immediately. We started with the Hamachi, followed by the sweetbreads and chicken liver paté and we both shared the succulent pork shank, where the meat just fell off the bone. Should note that all of Birch’s food is locally sourced and with a glass kitchen you can watch exactly what is going on. The place has a very mixed crowd – from Hollywood hipsters to some serious foodies taking pictures of every well-presented meal. We ended with a delicious rhubarb and custard dessert….must for those with a sweet tooth. The service was impeccable, from a staff that clearly knows a thing or two about food. Ideal for private parties too, or your birthday – ask about their secret garden for private dining. I also tried out their reasonably priced happy hour about a week ago. With a great selection of beers and handcrafted cocktails and a few appetizers, Birch is the restaurant where I’ll be swinging out more frequently.www.birchlosangeles.com. 1634 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.
I love 99
There is a rumbling currently within the theatre community in Los Angeles due to a referendum proposed by the actors’ union Equity. Basically it will abolish the 99-seat theatre contract that has been in place for over 30 years. There is a massive cry from members who oppose this bill, and rightfully so. I was fortunate enough to be nominated for an award this past week by Stage Raw for best male lead in a play for my role in the Vortex, which we were able to just about afford under the 99-seat plan. If what equity are proposing had already passed our budget size would have to have doubled and there is no way we would’ve been able to raise the funds to put on our show…and the same is true for many other theatre companies around town. 99-seat theatre is where a lot of people get their start, or the seasoned get to try new stuff and exercise their craft. So many of the bigger theatre houses in LA now are full of touring shows, or actors hired from New York. It would be a shame to see such an amazing community and talent fall by the wayside. With backers such as French Stewart, Frances Fisher, Noah Wylie and Tim Robbins, who are all such great supporters, I for one hope the bill doesn’t pass and we can come to the table and look at a new plan that suits all and doesn’t kill our vibrant community of passionate, dedicated, talented humans. If you are an equity member and a participant and avid supporter of intimate theatre houses I urge you to vote no. For all the facts please join Pro99 on Facebook.
Finally, a Happy Birthday Shoutout to my dear friend Victoria Hoffman…
Have a great week!
Cheers
Craig
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