A great meal is more than the sum of its parts. Yes, you want great food, great service and great ambiance. Yet, to have a really satisfying meal all these things have to come together in way that can’t totally be explained in words. It’s just kismet.

Le Petit Restaurant in Sherman Oaks manages to accomplish this little feat of magic. The food is simple and well prepared, if not Michelin quality, the ambiance, very Left Bank and the service brusque yet attentive. All and all each piece by itself would perhaps, above average, nothing more. But put them all together and each dining experience I’ve had at the restaurant just has a certain, je ne sais quoi.

The menu is straightforward French fare mixed with an interesting smattering of Mediterranean dishes and influences. The wine list is small, featuring French and Domestic wines by the glass and bottle.

Every time I go I start with the Baked Brie on Croute ($6.95). It’s a generous portion of brie encased in a flaky shell. It’s served with a tangy champagne sauce that cuts through the richness of the cheese. This could seriously be a meal in and of itself.

I also love into the Black Mussels Poulette ($9.50). The mussels are tender and not at all chewy. The white wine and shallot sauce rich and creamy – the kind you want to sop up every last bit of.

The Goat Cheese and Crostini Salad ($8.95), is simple, but the flavors nice and bright. The vinaigrette’s light and the dried pears add a nice texture,

I have an ongoing love affair with the Baked Lamb Shank ($17.95). Or maybe it’s really a love hate relationship.

The first time it was so good I ate every bite, the meat fell off the bone and the sauce was velvety. They serve it with couscous and carrots – a bit of that Mediterranean influence I mentioned earlier. Sadly, the second time I ordered it, I sent it back. The lamb was bland and the sauce tasted like canned beef broth. The third time was a charm, so I’ll just chalk the unpleasant experience up to a bad night.

Equally simple yet tasty is their Grilled Entrecote or Rib Eye Steak ($23.95) I’ve only tried it once and it was cooked a perfect medium rare and the crispy Pomme Frites to die for. I added the mushrooms, which I sort of regretted because they were a bit too salty.

They also offer the French classic, Coq Au Vin but let me warn you, as our waiter did, that you might not recognize their version, which I was told is very traditional. Whatever version it was, the dish was delicious. It had a stew-like consistency with the chicken falling off the bone and the petite pearl onions had the perfect firmness.

On Monday and Tuesday nights, they offer a special Lobster Night (1 1/2 pounds) served with a choice of soup or salad for $24.95.

I usually wrap up the meal with a little espresso or café macchiato. The service is never rushed – very European.

Walking out onto Ventura Boulevard after the meal, it’s always a bit of a culture shock because for just a moment you could relax and fool yourself into thinking your actually are in Paris, just for a moment. Maybe that’s the magic of this place.

Le Petit Restaurant is located at 13360 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Open for dinner only Sun-Thurs, 5-11pm; Fri-Sat, 5-11:30pm. Call (818) 501-7999 .

Erinn Eichinger is a lifestyle writer for print and television who’s worked and lived in the Valley for close to 20 years. She was a contributing writer for Sun Community Newspapers, as well as Fox News, KCBS News, Food Network, Discovery Health, A&E, Fine Living and The History Channel. You can check out more of her writing at www.Sundaydish.typepad.com

Caesar:

Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music.

Cry “Caesar!” Speak; Caesar is turn’d to hear.

Soothsayer:

Beware the ides of March.

Caesar:

What man is that?

Brutus:

A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

From the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

This scene can send chills down our spines because we all know what happened to good old Julius. But what are the Ides of March? The creator of the Roman calendar had a penchant for complexity. The Roman calendar organized its months around three days, each of which served as a reference point for counting the other days. The first day of the month (kalends); the 7th day in March, May, July, and October; the 5th in the other months (Nones.) The 15th day in March, May, July, and October; the 13th in the other months. The Ides! Simply being the 15th of March seems to me to be reason to celebrate and not be afraid! In honor of Julius, his somewhat violent death, and the Ides of March, I propose a toast of the Bloody Caesar!

THE BLOODY CAESAR

2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, divided

1 lime, quartered

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed limejuice

12 ounces canned clamato juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1-teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon freshly grated, or bottled horseradish

3 ounces vodka

Place 2 tablespoons celery salt in a thin layer in a small dish or shallow bowl. Take two empty serving glasses and moisten their rims with a lime wedge. Dip rims in celery salt to coat and shake off excess. In a pitcher mix limejuice, Clamato juice, Worcestershire, hot pepper sauce, pepper, remaining celery salt, horseradish and vodka. Stir. Pour into glasses over ice. Garnish with celery stalk and lime wedge or a cooked, chilled shrimp. To toast Caesar without the buzz simply omit the vodka!

Gwen Kenneally is the owner of Back to the Kitchen, Full Service Catering and Party Planning. Check out her website and blog www.Backtothekitchen.net

This Sunday, March 14th, over 150 dogs and cats will be at Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills looking for their forever home. Join all 6 LA City Animal Shelters and Carson Shelter for WoofStock 90210, an event not to be missed. The corner of Roxbury and Olympic Blvd from 11 am – 3 pm will be four-legged finds waiting for you to take them home. Visit http://www.laanimalservices.com/events/woofstock.pdf for more information.

East Valley Animal Care Center, Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405, 818-756-9323

Bailee

Impound # 1095720 Domestic Short Hair Tabby, 9 weeks, 2 lbs I’m Bailee, a beautiful, tiny girl who came to the shelter as a stray. The staff thinks I was abandoned outside for awhile because I was very skinny when they found me. I’m real friendly, loveable and have a great big heart of gold. I’m looking for a forever home. Could you be the one?

Layla

Impound # 1094657 Rabbit, 8 months, 3 lbs I’m Layla and my guardian dumped me and my littermate at the shelter because he had too many rabbits. We are the most adorable duo…very friendly and love to get attention. Have I mentioned how cute I am? Please adopt me. Rabbits make the greatest companions.

Buster

Impound # 1087703 Boxer Mix, 1 yr, 54 lbs I’m handsome Buster and came to the shelter as a stray. I LOVE walks, have a lot of energy, am super smart and just want to make you happy. The shelter volunteers say I’d be fun to work out with because I can keep up and keep you exercising! Because I’m a little goofy and need some basic training (hey, I’m a baby still and no one taught me) I am best with bigger dogs.

Copper

Impound # 1093314 Chihuahua, 9 months, 6 lbs I’m Copper and came to the shelter as a stray. I had a rough start of it because while on the streets I had parvo and almost died. Luckily, the shelter saved me!! (Thank you East Valley staff). Now I’m all well and can’t wait to be in a forever home. I’m good with dogs, cats and love everyone I meet. Won’t you take me home?

More great treasures…

West Valley Animal Care Center, 20655 Plummer St., Chatsworth, CA 91311, 818-756-9325

Ebony

Impound # 1094162 Domestic Short Hair Cat, 4 years, 9 lbs I’m Ebony, a beautiful sweet girl who lost my guardian! She passed away and her family dumped me in the shelter. How could they do that? I love all cats and really love people (well, except for the people that dumped me). I’m incredibly sweet and the volunteers say I’m very special. Won’t you love me? I’m sad and hope I find a forever home soon

Chiquita

Impound # 1091493 Rag Doll Long Hair mix, 6 years, 12 lbs I’m Chiquita, a beautiful girl who got dumped at the shelter twice at no fault of my own. I’m a shelter staff favorite and love all cats and love people! I’m super sweet and just want to find a good home. Won’t you save me? The volunteers say I’m the most beautiful girl on the block and just want to be loved. Please pick me!

Miley

Impound # 1089988 Domestic short hair rabbit, 1 year, 4 lbs I’m Miley and was dumped by my guardian because they had a baby…no fair! I’m not any trouble and don’t understand why I’m here. I’m very sad and scared at the shelter and am hoping you will read this and come adopt me. If you visit me I’ll jump in your lap and then I’ll be happy again!! I need companionship. Consider making me your new friend for life. You won’t regret it!

Holiday

Impound # 1092063 Chow mix, 11 mo, 38 lbs I’m Holiday and was found as a stray. I LOVE people and love to play! I’m really handsome, just need a good bath and some lovin’ and I’ll be as good as new. I’m super sweet and the shelter says I’m the “greatest dog!”  Won’t you adopt me? I have a lot of love to give.

Kylie

Impound # 1090845 Dachshund mix, 11 months, 20 lbs I’m Kylie, a pretty little girl who has the best personality. The staff says I’m incredibly sweet and am very funny. I LOVE love love people and need to find someone to adopt me. Won’t you take me? I’m a lover and just want to be your best friend.

Rachel Weil has established a successful 13-year reputation in publicity adept in a cross-section of public relation disciplines. She has published articles on behalf of her clients, and is a sought out speaker at events, conferences, community audiences and panel discussions relating to public relations. She is also committed to giving back to the community, supporting many charities through her business and as an individual. Animal welfare is her greatest cause. Weil Public Relations is located in Sherman Oaks, CA. Rachel can be contacted directly at rachel@weilpr.com

A*List Sample Sale Sunday, March 14 in North Hollywood.

Attention recessionista fashionistas! The A*List Sample Sale is being held this Sunday, March 14 from 11am-4 pm at a new North Hollywood location. Peruse among racks of  gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories from the personal closets of celebs and socialites, as well as new items from Switch in Beverly Hills, Rich and Skinny Jeans and Tysa Designs. Designer labels include: Gucci, Rick Owen, Chanel, Elisabeth and James, Vince, Dolce and Gabanna and Y3, Rich and Skinny jeans.  You won’t find The Gap, Banana Republic or J. Crew here.  According to owner Caroline Bray,  everything is high-end and prices are at least 50% below retail, and in many cases, 75% off. 6019 Simpson Ave, North Hollywood, 91606 323.841.3000 Special request: No early birds please!

15% off March 11-18 with mention of My Daily Find

Menchies in Sherman Oaks is offering a 15% discount to any customer who mentions MY DAILY FIND from Thursday, March 11 to Thursday, March 18. Good at the Sherman Oaks location only! 13369 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.  The store phone number is 818-788-9900

Celebrate National Pi Day at Morton's — $3.14 for a slice of Key Lime Pie.

Celebrate National Pi Day on Sunday, March 14 at Morton’s The Steakhouse. No, that is not a typo and missing an “e” — it’s PI — as in 3.1415926535 — which is celebrated by math enthusiasts around the globe.  Now, Key Lime Pie lovers can join in the celebration at Morton’s The Steakhouse  when their famous  dessert will be sold in the dining room or bar for $3.14 instead of $10.50 a slice.  Do the math.  That’s a deal.   Available at 818 locations: 3400 West Olive Avenue, Burbank; 818-238-0424; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills 818-703-7272, as well as Los Angeles and Downtown LA locations.

FREE mini-mango Pinkberry on Friday, March 12 5-9 pm

Pinkberry is having a Mad About Mango Happy Hour on Friday, March 12 for 5-9 pm. As an introduction to their newest flavor, they are offering a FREE mini Mango Pinkberry with toppings. There will also be an opportunity to win gift cards and prizes during a trivia event.  Check out  Pinkberry for a location near you!

Karen Young is the Publisher/Editor of My Daily Find

They’re not dead yet. That seems to be the overarching message in “Broads!” a musical about four female senior citizens who sing, dance and stare down old age with sass.

The story surrounds Nilda (Ivonne Coll), Louise (Leslie Easterbrook), Elaine (June Gable) and Myra (Barbara Niles), who put on an annual talent show at a South Florida retirement village. Two of them live there, two of them are old enough to live there, and all of them refuse to let age stop them from strutting their stuff.

On stage now at the El Portal Forum, the musical is more like a musical revue that takes aim at the various ailments of aging while tackling presumptions about people over 60. It’s full of fun moments and solid performances, but it feels a little tired, as if we’re laughing at these over-the-hill attention grabbers, not with them. When crisis strikes, the women predictably strengthen their bond and triumph over adversity. There’s nothing new about the story.

The plot is weak and borderline patronizing, but the performers each bring doses of magic to the trite material. Cole and Easterbrook are particularly good, each displaying a youthful spirit and knack for self-deprecating humor. All four women have Broadway credits and three of them have Tony nominations under their belts. Their collective talent is not in question, but the script feels like an over-simplification of the aging process.

Though the show isn’t great theatre, at a recent matinée the smiles on the faces of every audience member seemed to indicate extreme satisfaction. The average age of audience members that day was around 65, and laughter of recognition rang out all afternoon.

So, is the show a success? Though this critic was somewhat underwhelmed, the target audience certainly had a blast the day I was there. I’m thinking my opinion just isn’t the most important one here.

The El Portal Forum Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. Call (818)508-4200 or online at www.broadsthemusical.com

TICKETS:
General admission: $35

Amy Lyons is a professional freelance journalist and theatre critic, with a degree in Theatre Arts and English from UMass, Boston. She started her journalism career at The Boston Globe and is a member of the Drama Critics Circle. Her articles, theatre reviews and photos regularly appear in numerous publications, including the Beverly Press, Valley Life Magazine, the Santa Monica Mirror and www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Macarons are being touted in food circles as the new cupcake. No, not the chewy coconut variety. This macaron (pronounced mack-ah-rohn) is the French confection — the dainty little sandwich cookie that comes in myriad of colors.

French Macarons...joie de vivre. Photos by Karen Young

What originated in Italy in the 8th century, and brought to France during the 16th century by Catherine de Medici for her wedding to the future Henry II, and later perfected in mid- 20th century France, is now causing quite the sudden rage in the U.S. — and not to be outdone, the San Fernando Valley.

Belwood Bakery, a Studio City boulangerie and patisserie, is the only place I’ve seen them baked fresh in the 818 so far. And no, those you may have seen packaged at Starbucks simply don’t count.

Tina Luu, a baker at Belwood, introduced macarons to the shop last winter and is responsible for baking them weekly — or more depending on the demand.

Belwood has 22 flavors.

More like tiny little pastries, than cookies, macarons are filled with ganache, buttercream or jelly. They have a little crunch on the outside and are soft on the inside. Made with sugar, egg whites and almond meal, macarons are similar to a meringue. In order for the full flavor to come out, macarons are made, frozen for a day or two and then set out at room temperature.  They are not meant to have a long shelf life.

Belwood carries 22 flavors, including raspberry with chocolate raspberry ganache (my personal fave), lavendar with lavender buttercream, rose with lemon buttercream, chocolate with chocolate ganache, black sesame with sesame buttercream, pistachio and buttercream, earl grey with lemon buttercream, green tea with green tea wheatgrass buttercream and anise with buttercream.

Fresh bread baked daily.

If you want a certain flavor, go ahead and ask. They recently made a Peanut Butter and Jelly macaron per a customer’s request.

At $1.50 each, macarons are not inexpensive — think of them as a little decadent treat to be savored, served with tea or coffee, or to bring back the memory of a certain time you enjoyed at a Parisian cafe’.

And while you are at Belwood, be sure to note the fresh bread (the ciabatta and egg challah are my favorites), as well as the wonderful cakes, pastries and mini-scones.

A beautiful and delicious selection of pastries, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, sandwiches, salads and more.

Hungry for lunch or breakfast? Check out the made-to-order sandwiches (tuna, turkey, roast beef, rosemary chicken $6.85-$7.85), salads, and omelets. I’m pretty much crazy about the sandwiches. They are simple, crisp and fresh.  Salads at $5.50 are plentiful and well priced.

The 818 is a long way from France, but with good bread and the sweetness of a macaron, we certainly can dream, can’t we?

Belwood Bakery 12634 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City - (818) 755-8853 (in the Coldwater Curve between Coldwater and Whitsett). Counter service with a handful of tables inside and outside

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find.

(Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series by Angela Fentiman in which she profiles Valley leaders.)

When Alex Padilla was growing up in the northeast San Fernando Valley he always wondered why his community was not getting its “fair share.” Now, as a State Senator for California’s 20th Senate District, he has made a career out of representing Valley residents and their interests in government.

“You can change your neighborhood by being involved in the political process,” Padilla said.

Padilla has made this statement true for his own life, being elected to his first public office at age 26 and becoming the youngest Los Angeles City Council president in the city’s history (also the second youngest councilmember ever to serve).

” I guess I didn’t know any better,” Padilla joked about the responsibility bestowed on him by his fellow City Council members.

State Senator Alex Padilla

Being elected to the City Council at such a young age made Padilla work extra hard to be taken seriously as a legitimate colleague and not a kid who was young enough to be the son of the other council members.

“When I was elected council president I felt that I was successful in being taken seriously, in being treated as a peer and a colleague,” Padilla said.

Padilla no longer has to worry about being taken seriously by the other elected officials, or his constituents. As a state senator he has been the author of significant legislation that addresses obesity and energy distribution.

One of his bills currently being implemented calls for restaurants to print nutritional information on their menus. Padilla said many called the bill “politically crazy.” However, since people have started seeing nutritional information on their menus, he receives calls and emails from friends telling him that they opposed the bill when it was in the Legislature but now appreciate it.

His smart grid bill made California the first state to develop a plan for this type of energy distribution technology. The first time the bill was introduced Padilla received resistance and questions about smart grid technology. But after the issue was raised by the Obama campaign and included in the President’s inaugural address, Padilla reintroduced the bill and it flew through the legislature with bipartisan support.

Padilla does not take for granted the opportunity he has been given by Valley voters to represent them in the State Legislature.

“I’m very grateful for getting the chance to work full-time in a career I absolutely love,” Padilla said.

His favorite part of the job is getting to help people with the issues that are important to them, but as much as he loves his job there are downsides.

“Fundraising is a reality, but I don’t enjoy that part,” he said.

Padilla also says that the slow progress of government can be frustrating and that patience and a long-term outlook are needed to “keep things moving in the right direction.”

“Things don’t change overnight.”

Though change in government can be slow, Padilla feels that fixing most of California’s problems begins with fixing our public school system. The economic progress and investment in infrastructure that he envisions for the Valley, Padilla feels, begins with education.

He also thinks that a state as rich in natural resources as California must “be mindful of protecting the environment.”

A product of the San Fernando Valley, Padilla sees it as a privilege to represent the area where he grew up. And of all the things he likes about his hometown, the people in the Valley top his list. The Pacoima resident also appreciates the Valley’s proximity to downtown, the Westside, beaches and what he calls “the best hiking trails in the state.”

The 20th Senate District includes the majority of the San Fernando Valley. Padilla’s district office is located at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., #400 in Van Nuys. You can learn more about the Senator or contact his staff by visiting his website: http://dist20.casen.govoffice.com/.

Angela Fentiman is a freelance writer and public relations professional who has represented clients across all sectors—nonprofit, government and business. She has a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) and a B.A. in communication. Angela can be contacted at angela.fentiman@gmail.com.

“It’s kind of hard to explain,” says My Beautiful Grown Daughter, referring to Delaney and me. “When the two of them get together it’s like…” Her voice takes on a searching quality, as if she’s just returned from studying some remote Himalayan tribe and is trying to explain the behavior she’s observed to a group of wide-eyed undergrads. Ultimately words fail her and she trails off. Her Handsome Folksinger Boyfriend comes to the rescue. “They’re like some old-time comedy team,” he says. “They crack each other up, but they’re not really funny. Sort of like those guys who talk about cars on NPR.” The Boy’s expression turns pensive as he takes in this information. He considers my solo attempts at humor questionable at best. I suspect the prospect of having to endure two middle-aged jokers has him considering whether now’s the time to actually run away from home.

I’ve been blessed with an abundance of great friendships in my life, but Delaney has known me longer than anyone I still see on a regular basis. We met when we were 14. Since then we’ve seen each other through the gamut of high school romances, college road-trips, twenties career angst, marriages, births, deaths, and unfortunate personal grooming decisions. In other words, this guy knows me well enough to be dangerous. I know it and N. knows it. “I’ll bet he can tell a lot of stories,” she says with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “He’s as old as I am,” I say. “He’s senile. And anything he does remember is a lie.” She gives me the enigmatic little half-smile she brings out whenever she knows she has the upper hand. “We’ll see,” she says.

But before we can see we have to actually have Delaney on hand, which turns out to be a bit of a challenge. Delaney’s a savvy traveler and has arranged for his flight to take a southerly route, hoping to avoid any winter weather delays. However, he’s neglected to factor in global warming and gets stalled by a foot of snow in Dallas. In Dallas! He gets as far as Phoenix before time and spare airplanes run out and he’s forced to spend the night. At last, a day late, Delaney does indeed turn up at the Burbank airport. Unfortunately, his suitcase does not. The baggage people put out an APB and promise to deliver the luggage to his hotel as soon as it arrives. At the hotel the desk clerk promises to send it on to the room as soon as the airline drops it off. With that settled, it’s time for the moment of truth.

I’m guessing we all know one of those “love her/hate him” couples, but certainly none of us wants to be part of one. We want our friends to like our Significant Other and vice versa. It’s an important form of validation, especially when you’re starting out in a new relationship. Falling in love sometimes feels like a benign form of temporary insanity. You need your friends to reassure you that you haven’t, in fact, lost your mind. Or that if you have, you’ve done so with good cause.

We come into the house and N. and Delaney express their mutual relief that he finally made it here.

Delaney notices two paintings that hang prominently in our living room. “I really like those,” he says. He points to one next to the fireplace. “Especially that one.” Without knowing it he’s gotten off to a good start. “Who’s the artist?” he asks. N. smiles modestly. “I am.” The painting is a large canvas featuring three earthy but vividly colored horizontal stripes. Written across the bottom in bold, black letters is the word “hola.”  To me it represents the essence of N.’s spirit: vibrant, forthright, and ready to welcome life. Anybody who gets that painting gets N. and Delaney gets it. “You’re obviously a very talented woman,” he says. “So what’re you doing with a cretin like him?” N. laughs. And so it begins.

Delaney and I start trading the insults and aspersions that make up 90 percent of our conversation and I have to admit we do sort of sound like the “Car Talk” guys, but without the Boston accents. Sitting in the kitchen, having a snack, I pick up my glass with my pinky finger extended. I always do. I don’t know why. I just do and N. and The Boy love to rib me about it. “You’re so posh,” they tell me. Now N. has a chance to investigate further. “Has he always done that?” she asks Delaney. “Oh, yeah,” he says. “He’s always been dainty.” N’s delighted. “Dainty! That’s exactly it! Honey, you’re dainty.” Just what I need. A guy to fly 1500 miles through two days of blizzards to give my girlfriend a new phrase to tease me with.

By Friday evening the errant luggage has yet to appear, so I take Delaney to Banana Republic down on Ventura to buy a pair of pants. “I’ve got spare underwear,” he tells me. “But I packed a couple of flasks of some pretty good rye I wanted you to taste.” He may think I’m dainty but he knows what I like. Now I’m really rooting for that suitcase to show up.

Later, we go to dinner at one of our favorite spots in Hollywood. N. and I have been there three or four times the past year. The food’s delicious, the service is sophisticated but friendly, and every time we’ve gone we’ve had more than one really interesting A-list spotting. Tonight, with our out-of-town guest we see…nobody. You know how it goes. You have houseguests hoping to go home with an exciting L.A. story. You send them back empty-handed and the next day Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel walk their dogs past your house. So we talk amongst ourselves. A long-suffering Detroit Tigers fan, Delaney mentions that they may be about to pick up Johnny Damon from the Yankees. N.’s right on it. “I think the deal closed today,” she says.

Saturday and still no suitcase. Meanwhile, somewhere along the way I’ve lost my glasses and I’m forced to resort to an old pair for backup. They’re wire rims, and completely bent out of shape. The only word to describe how they sit on my face is “cattywhompus”. In order to see through them I have to squint constantly. Needless to say, this provides ample fodder for Delaney, N., and The Boy. It’s pointed out that I look like a very amateurish drawing of Mr. Magoo. The three of them just stare at me and giggle. It’s nice to see them bonding like this. Or it would be, if I could actually see them.

On Sunday N. plans to make her legendary shrimp tacos. My Beautiful Grown Daughter and her Handsome Folksinger Boyfriend can’t come for dinner, but they want to see Delaney before he leaves so they come with us to the Latin Supermarket to pick up ingredients. As the six of us wander the aisles we look a little like one of those big, extended Latin families you see out shopping together, even though only one and a half of us has the proper ethnic qualifications. Still, the HFB is inspired to order some food to go. He opts for the bluntly but accurately translated “Beef Guts Burrito.” This affords Delaney and me the chance to aim some of the hilarity he loves so much in his direction.

Back home, Delaney has high praise for the shrimp tacos. He announces that he could happily move to California and spend the rest of his life sitting at our kitchen counter watching N. cook and eating the results. The Boy and I inform him that all of those positions are filled. The evening ends. Delaney’s leaving early the next day, so he, N., and The Boy say their farewells with hugs, kisses, and solemn handshakes.

I drive him back to his hotel where, it turns out, his luggage has been in hiding for 24 hours. All I can figure is the desk clerk gets some kind of kickback from Banana Republic. Back in his room we finally sample the rye, which, as promised, is quite tasty.

“Sorry your trip turned into kind of a pain,” I say.

“Hey, it was 18 degrees in Detroit today. And I’m really glad I got to meet N. and The Boy.”

“Yeah?”

“She won my heart when she knew all about the Johnny Damon thing.”

“And baseball’s not even her game.”

He lifts his glass. “You’re doing okay.”

In the morning I drop him off at the airport. We embrace with the required amount of male backslapping. Then he trundles off, headed back to the frigid Midwest where we were boys together. Watching him, I’m reminded of the lyrics Paul Simon added to “The Boxer” for his Central Park reunion with Art Garfunkel: “After changes upon changes we are more or less the same/after changes we are more or less the same.”

Old life, meet my next life. Say hola.

David Nichols is a TV writer/producer who has worked on such shows as “Caroline In The City”, “Grace Under Fire”, and “Evening Shade.”

There’s new frozen treat heartthrob in town. The name? Frozen Crush — Italian ice with a fro-yo twist. As the first establishment of its kind in Los Angeles,  it’s co-mingling right next door to Pinkberry in Northridge.

If you’re from the east coast or spent any time there, you know about Italian Ice. So as luck would have it, my first visit was on a rainy day with east coast transplant Lisa Lillien (a.k.a www.hungry-girl.com),  who is obsessed with all things food — and Italian ice.

Yog-a-Blend orange and chocolate. Photo: Danielle Gruen Photography

“It ROCKS! I love it – no matter what time of year it is or what the weather is… It’s a totally LA way to get my NY Italian Ices!”

That’s some good street credo from a food and Italian ice expert.

Yog-A-Swirl. Photo: Danielle Gruen Photography

Sara Laucius opened Frozen Crush in November 2009 because she missed Italian ice (or “water ice” as it’s also called) from her hometown in Philadelphia. Sara says her demographic target is kids and teens, which brings in a good amount of adults as well.

With that in mind, the décor is a departure from the  techno-mod, neon and pastel hued yogurt shops which are popping up on every other corner.  Frozen Crush has a wall of bright colored grafitti art, a couple black leather couches, tables and chairs, a flat screen TV with an XBOX, as well as a classic Ms. Pacman table with over 40 old school games. Think dorm or frat game room.

Choose from 16 ice-riffic flavors! Photo: Karen Young

Frozen Crush features 16 flavors of Italian Ice which are made on the premises. Some of these refreshing flavors include: Cherry, Lemon, Mango, Peanut Butter, Cotton Candy, Blue Raspberry, Coconut and Root Beer. Order your Crush alone or have a Yog-a-swirl or Yog-a-Blend —   swirled or blended with fat free fro yo.

We taste tested almost all 16 ice-riffic flavors. Top choices were peanut butter, mango, strawberry, coconut and chocolate. I had peanut butter blended with yogurt. Oh, frozen goodness — it was rich and luscious. Lisa had the mango with the yogurt swirled through it and on top. Mmmm. Kind of that “creamsicle” thing.  Get creative and come up with your own —peanut butter cup ice blended with strawberry ice and yogurt — PB & J, anyone?

Hang out, talk, watch TV or play XBOX or Ms. Pac Man Photo: Karen Young

Frozen Crush’s Italian Ice alone is less than 1/2 the calories of yogurt – and is fat-free, cholesterol-free, dairy-free and gluten-free. There’s a few choices of  sugar-free flavors too.  If you choose to add yogurt to your ice, that’ll up it 14 calories an ounce.  A five-ounce small Italian Ice is 61 to 71 calories depending on the flavor.  Add yogurt and that’ll bring the calorie count up to 250 calories.  Sugar-free flavors are a third less calories.  Check out the nutritional count on the Frozen Crush website.

Yog-A-Blend Peanut Butter. Photo: Karen Young

Want Frozen Crush for a party? Just ask. There’s a mobile cart ready to roll.

Frozen Crush is located amidst a shopping and eating destination — Costco, In-n-Out, Petco, Marie Callendars, El Torito and Quiznos, to name just a few.   Run some errands, eat a meal, get a Crush.

Who doesn’t remember their first one?

Frozen Crush 8850 Tampa Ave.Unit 102 Northridge, CA 91324 (In the Costco Shopping Center) (818) 882-8486 Sun-Thurs 12pm – 9:30pm / Fri-Sat 12pm – 11pm  www.frozencrush.com Prices: $2-$8 (quart)

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find.

www.sonicboomers.com

John Hiatt, The Open Road, New West Records

In the golden realm of modern songwriters, John Hiatt surely sits in the inner sanctum. His work defies the odds, with every album containing gems that can bring us to our knees. Even his misses are worth hearing. That’s how good Hiatt is. The Open Road is a bit sneaky, in that there are no immediate boulders to knock us down, but at the same time each song has a definite weight to it with a boomerang strength, which hits even harder on the return home. And that’s because this man has been to the bottom of the lake and brought to the surface what’s worth saving. It’s a unique mix of hardened optimism and joyous realism that fuels his emotions, and nothing escapes Hiatt’s unflinching eye. We discover truths inside ourselves that we all avoid, but also discover salvation can be just a breath away. There is a gritty goodness to be had for those open to it, and it is in this music. Like John Hiatt once sang, have a little faith in him, and he will show us the open road home.

Texas Tornados, Esta Bueno!, Bismeaux Records

The sound of the Texas Tornados is one built on the rushing blood of Texas musicians who have made a lifetime of supplying Lone Star thrills to the entire world. Sir Douglas Sahm brought the group to life twenty years ago, not by an act of marketing genius but more a dedicated desire to find a new groove and ride it like a bucking bronco. He did just that, gathering longtime sidekick Augie Meyers, accordion king Flaco Jimenez and Tejano singing legend Freddy Fender on a stage in San Francisco in 1989 and, realizing what he had, putting a match to the gas. From the start, the quartet took no prisoners. Their live shows are still legendary, something akin to musical telethons with Sahm as master of ceremonies. Audiences screamed, drank, danced, fought, smoked and generally carried on like the world was ending later that evening and there was no need to hold anything back. This was it. When Sahm died in 1999, it looked like the Texas Tornados went with him. Not so fast. Eldest son Shawn Sahm has brought the band back to life with new recordings, and even got Fender into the fold before his unfortunate death in 2006. And guess what? It’s almost like the band never ended. Jimenez’s blistering accordion still holds the key to the Texas Tornados’ magic, with searing leads blending into backing chords, giving every song an otherworldly beauty, like a vision into another land. The musician really is the guru of the barrio, and there will never be another even close to his gravity-defying power. But Freddy Fender’s voice comes close. There is something overwhelmingly romantic about Latin singers, and Fender helped write the modern book on that sound. Several of his songs on Esta Bueno! are close to being classics, and it is a stroke of real luck he got into the studio so close to his last days. Don’t forget Augie Myers and Shawn Sahm’s own contributions, where each man digs down deep to make sure the Tornados legend keeps shining brightly. At the very end, Doug Sahm–as usual–gets the last word. A demo from the mid-’90s, “Girl Going Nowhere,” was found in the vaults and the band stepped forward in style, finishing the track so the man who brought this whole thing into existence is able to reappear for an emotional curtain call. Tears are allowed, and surely the ultimate Texas musician is proudly smiling somewhere, knowing his Texas brothers will never let him down. May the circle be unbroken.

Lightspeed Champion, Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You, Domino Records

Question one: What do you do if your name is Devonte Hynes? If you’re a savvy musician, you change it to Lightspeed Champion. Question two: What do you do if your band is named Test Icicles? Bail out and start a solo career. That’s the case here, and on his sophomore album, Mr. Champion has found his inner mojo, and boy has he got it working. It’s a Mixmaster blend of rock, soul, orchestral, folk and several unidentifiable strains that make Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You an indulgent delight. There is no telling how many people this potpourri, might capture, but isn’t that beside the point? Musically, every song—including the minimalist instrumental interludes—holds surprises for even the most hardened ears. Divided into four sides, originals like “There’s Nothing Underwater,” “I Don’t Want to Wake Up Alone” and “Sweetheart” show a master creator is behind this music. One of Lightspeed Champion’s inspirations, Del Shannon, was also someone who packed a secret weapon inside his pop confections. Try listening to “Runaway” and “Hats Off to Larry” now knowing what we know without getting scared. There is such an undercurrent of dark finality in Champion’s songs he feels like an old soul, though the cover image is of a younger man, looking slightly lost at the end of a long road to nowhere. This is a sound that is meant to puzzle us, leaving no doubt the man at the helm and his band Spacecamp are kings of their own destiny. In the ‘70s, this album would have been hailed as a masterpiece and the world would look like Lightspeed Champion’s oyster. Today, it will probably be a minor miracle if it gets heard at all, which would be a real shame, because he’s practically a party of one when it comes to going this far out on a musical limb and still not getting kicked out of the forest. Bless him.