L.A. HAVENS - Chego

Chego's Chubby Pork Belly bowl

 

CHEGO

727 N. Broadway, #117, Los Angeles (Chinatown)

Warning: Chego's rice bowls are not for the faint of heart. The phrase "rice bowl" tends to bring forth the image of overly sweet chicken teriyaki strips over white rice, but for anyone who is familiar with
Chef Roy Choi's dishes – a short rib taco from the Kogi Truck, the pork terrine Cuban Torta from Sunny Spot or Peruvian-style spin on the American classic Cracklin' Beer Can Chicken from A-Frame – then you know his creations are from from ordinary. He is known for breaking rules, elevating street to fine dining and mashing together cultures all on one plate, or in Chego's case, a bowl.

Choi opened Chego, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, in Palms three years ago, and quickly gained attention for its flavor-packed bowls that embraced flavors from many of the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of Los Angeles: Korea, Spain, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Malaysia and Japan. Chego moved to Chinatown's Far East Plaza earlier this summer, marking Choi's first venture on the east side. (Westsiders can still get a few of Chego's bowls at the Alibi Room in Culver City.) Its bright orange sign stands out in the bustling center where tourists, little old Chinese ladies and Mexican families pass as you sit and wait for your number to be called to pick up your food.

None of the menu items are over $10, and everything is served in low-waste containers. Starters like the fried 3PM Meatballs and the $12 Salad (which is actually $7) are great options, but my favorite "snack" is the Ooey Gooey Fries. You might get one order to share with your friends, but after one bite you'll regret not having one bowl all for yourself. Beer-battered potatoes are slathered with sour cream sambal, red chilies, cilantro, pickled garlic and Monterey Jack, cheddar and cotija cheeses – dangerously addictive.

There's a vegetarian Kung Pau Noodle Bowl and a half-pound grass-fed burger topped with cheese, mayo, chili sauce (pretty much everything has chili sauce here), fried shallots, arugula and Thai basil, as well as a prime rib sandwich on grilled ciabatta with seared onions, roasted garlic Irish butter, parmesan and salsa verde if you don't feel like eating rice. However, the main stars are, of course, the rice bowls.

Ooey Gooey Fries

Favorites are the Kimchi Spam Bowl with fried rice, scrambled eggs and baby boo choy and the Sour Cream Hen House (grilled chicken, Chinese broccoli, sour cream sambal, red jalapeño, toasted sesame, Thai basil and a fried egg over rice). I love the Chubby Pork Belly with its chunks of Kurobuta pork polished with Korean red pepper paste (kochujang), delicious pieces of pickled radish, peanuts, cotija cheese, bright and bitter water spinach and Chinese broccoli. I let the runny yolk of the fried egg intermingle with the red and green chili sauces over the rice.

It might be hard to save room for dessert, but you have got to try the Piña Krackalada (rings of caramelized pineapple and crunchy puffed rice over a bed of sweet coconut rice), the chocolate, carmel and peanut Sriracha Bar or Chego's version of Tres Leches: devil's food cake soaked in cayenne- and cinnamon-infused leches with spiced candied peanuts and dark chocolate on top.

Although all the different seasonings in one bowl might put off those with simple palates, Chego – like all of Choi's other establishments – are at least worth a try. I'm not usually a huge fan of spicy food, but I just can't resist those Ooey Gooey Fries and piquant pieces of pork belly. Who knows? You might find yourself a convert like me.

New Release Tuesday 7/16/13

July 16, 2013

MUSIC RELEASES

Beach – In Us We Trust (Short Story)
Up until this album, Bitch's birth name of indie-electro artist Karen Mould was a secret. With In Us We Trust, the songwriter, vocalist and electric violinist sheds her previous persona and embraces the new moniker of Beach, a place where she describes everything shifts: "Rocks become sand, water meets earth, birds screech, tides turn and colors collide." Mould in turn left Brooklyn, her home of 15 years, behind for Los Angeles, and the city breathes its energy into the album's 11 tracks, from thundering opener "Ibuprofen" and sultry "Love Was a River" to the bubbling title track and ukulele-filled closer "O' Packaging." Change has unquestionably done her good.

Dreamers Dose – At Least We're Happy (Vector)
It's not that surprising to find out how young the four Angelenos of the psych-rock group are after listening to their debut since each track explodes with youthful energy and seethes with angst. Produced by Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures), At Least We're Happy puts Dreamers Dose's influences on display – you can especially hear echoes of QOTSA on "The Calm" and garage-rock tones of Black Rebel Motorcyle Club throughout–  and firmly asserts that the band is beginning to make their own mark on the L.A. scene. Catch their performance at the Sunset Strip Music Festival Aug. 1.

Mayer Hawthorne – Where Does This Door Go (Republic)
With the release of Where Does This Door Go's first single, "Her Favorite Song," back in May, it seemed like everyone and their mama started jumping on the Mayer Hawthorne train, but I'm not complaining. It's high time the soulful singer-songwriter receives the attention he deserves. The songs that fill his third studio album are the perfect introduction to his modern take on the classic style of his native state's signature Motown sound, Curtis Mayfield and Barry White, and at the same, time they cull from his more contemporary influences like J Dilla and the atmosphere of his current home base of Los Angeles. The album's release show tomorrow at the Troubadour is sold out, so most Angelenos will unfortunately have to wait a while for another hometown performance. They will, however, have plenty of time to get acquainted with the new standout tracks like "The Only One," "Wine Glass Woman" and "Corsican Rosé."

San Cisco – self-titled (RCA)
There's been buzz surrounding the Australian quartet ever since they started making waves in 2011, and they are finally releasing their debut. The members range in age from 18 to 20, and the album reflects their collective sunny outlook on life, whether the lyrics deal with relationships, growth or just life in general. Tracks like "Fred Astaire," "Awkward" and "No Friends" are just a sampling of the fun and carefree times to be had with the Aussies. San Cisco wrap up their current U.S. tour on Aug. 13 at the Echoplex.

White Dove – The Hoss, The Candle (RSRCH + DVLP)
The L.A. trio formerly known as Monster perfectly encapsulate the feel associated with modern California rock on their new album produced by Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Grandaddy, My Morning Jacket). Echoes of psychedelia, classic rock and soft rock can all be heard in White Dove's dark-pop sound. Alex Johnstone's ethereal vocals soar over the wails of a pedal steel on tracks like "I Saw You" and "Come On In To Hell," while songs like "Cold Mountain" and "Old French Clothes" get your toes tapping. Join them for The Hoss, The Candle's release show this Thursday (July 18) at El Cid.

Also available – Ace Hood's Trials & Tribulations; AP.9's Pursuit of Perfection; The Aristrocrats' Culture Clash; BURNTmd's The Green Invasion; Candice Glover's Music Speaks; CARO's Letchworth Village; Cherry Poppin' Daddies' White Teeth, Black Thoughts; Cody Simpson's Surfers Paradise; Court Yard Hounds' Amelita; David Lynch's The Big Dream; Dead Boots' Verónica; Desert Stars' Habit Shackles; Gauntlet Hair's Stills; Hieroglyphics' The Kitchen; La Machine's Phases & Repetition remaster; Luke Rathborne's Soft; Matt Nathanson's Last of the Great Pretenders; Mayday's Believers; Patrick Sweany's Close to the Floor; Pet Shop Boys' Electric; Pony Bwoy's self-titled; Robert Randolph and the Family Band's Lickety Split; Sara Bareilles' The Blessed Unrest; Sarah Miles' One; Soft Metals' Lenses; Tallhart's We Are the Same

DVD RELEASES

Film – Brian Helgeland directs Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in 42; The documentary Bidder 70 tells the story of Tim DeChristopher, who disrupted a BLM oil and gas leasing auction in 2008 in the name of the climate justice movement; Evil Dead is the fourth installment of the franchise and was co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez

TV – Alphas: Season Two; Damages: The Complete Fifth Season; Femme Fatales: The Complete Second Season; Hell on Wheels: The Complete Second Season; Masterpiece Mystery: Endeavour Series 1; Misfits: Season Three; Orphan Black: Season One; Regular Show: Season 1 & 2

Music – Rick Springfield's An Affair of the Heart; U.P. Wilson's Live at the 100 Club London 1998

Also available – 5 Shells; Arlington Road; Bert Stern: Original Mad Man; Bullet to the Head; The End of Love; Erased; Eve of Destruction; From the Head; The Fruit Hunters; Good Life; Hecho En Mexico; Hiding in Plain Sight; Ice Road Terror; The Life After Death Project; The Prize - An Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power; Solomon Kane; The Sweeter Side of Life; White Frog; Wild Bill

STREET SIGNS - The Wrinkles of the City 2

A couple of months ago I caught an airing of INSIDE OUT: The People's Art Project on HBO, a film documenting JR's global art project that he created after winning the TED prize in 2011. It reminded me of the moving images that the French artist installed throughout Los Angeles that same year as part of his The Wrinkles of the City series, one of which served as the very first Street Signs. I captured another of JR's elderly faces on the back of the building that houses Angel City Brewery at 216 South Alameda Street in the Downtown Arts District. The eyes on this one are particularly captivating.

Events for July 11-17, 2013

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JULY 11

CULTURE

Lucha VaVoom "Cinco in July!" @ The Mayan (Downtown)
Were you totally bummed when you didn't get tickets for Lucha VaVoom's sold-out Cinco de Mayo show? Well, you're not the only one, so the organization decided to meet the public's demand for another Cinco show tonight. Take advantage of this second chance to get your fill of Mexican-style lucha libre wrestling, traditional burlesque and comedic commentary because they won't be back for a while. No other event mixes sex and violence quite as well.

MUSIC

Surfer Blood, Terraplane Sun @ Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
The 29th annual Twilight Concert Series returns to the pier for a kick-off show featuring the Florida foursome of Surfer Blood, who just released their sophomore effort, Pythons. Also performing is local band, Terraplane Sun, and their single "Get Me Golden" couldn't be a more apt song to usher in the pier's free summer series that takes place every Thursday, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., through Sept. 12.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

CULTURE

OC Fair @ Orange County Fair & Event Center (Costa Mesa)
Like most children, the county fair was always a highlight of my summers growing up, so the OC Fair will always hold a special place in my heart. Aside from the carnival games, rides and wacky food concoctions to sample, I loved checking out who was awarded the blue ribbon for best jam or quilt out of the many artists, farmers and craftspeople who enter the various competitions. As I got older, the concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre became the fair's big attraction. This year's lineup includes Colbie Caillat, Weezer, Flaming Lips, ZZ Top and Roger Daltrey.

FILM

Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station

In Theaters This Week
Fruitvale Station is one of my most anticipated films of the season. It tells the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) and the tragedy of his experiences on New Year's Eve 2008 in the Bay Area, and also stars Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz; Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade reunite for Grown Ups 2; I am a Guillermo del Toro fan beyond words, yet I'm not sure if all the giant robot battles of Pacific Rim are for me. However, the fact that it stars Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi could persuade me to check it out. Also in theaters: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag; Crystal Fairy & The Magical Cactus; The Hot Flashes; The Hunt; Pawn Shop Chronicles; Still Mine; V/H/S/2

Old Pasadena Film Festival
The free film series returns to Old Pas through July 27. Tonight's programming includes Woody Allen's gorgeous 2011 time-travel romp, Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson as a screenwriter who gets to hang out with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein every evening at the stroke of midnight. It screens at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands (20 S. Raymond Ave.), while Fantastic Mr. Fox plays at 8:30 p.m. in the One Colorado Courtyard (41 Hugus Alley). The 2009 stop-motion animated fantasy-comedy from Wes Anderson features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, and is based on the classic by Roald Dahl.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

FILM

Grease Sing-A-Long @ Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood)
The Bowl once again transforms into the world's largest movie theater for the family-friendly tradition, which coincides with the film's 35th anniversary. Hosted by Didi Conn ("Frenchy"), the pre-show features a performance by Sha Na Na followed by a screening of the film, complete with subtitles so that everyone can sing along with the lyrics to each song. From "Summer Nights" to "Greased Lightnin'" and "You're the One That I Want," the entire night is sure to be a blast.

Edgar Wright Double Feature @ Exposition Park (South Los Angeles)
In anticipation of Edgar Wright's Aug. 23 release of The World's End, Street Food Cinema presents an evening dedicated to the director's other works with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. Up first is a performance from local band Fallen Riviera, then make sure to get a bunch of munchies from trucks like Mercedes Binge, Rollin' Rib BBQ and Ta Bom before settling in for the screenings of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

MUSIC

Cash'd Out @ Saint Rocke (Hermosa Beach)
If you're a fan of Johnny Cash and have yet to check out the SoCal treasure known as Cash'd Out, then here's your chance. Vocalist Douglas Benson sounds just like Cash as he belts out the Man in Black's hit songs, but the entire band's musical prowess and showmanship pushes their performances from mere tributes to capturing the energy and spirit that is associated with the legend. You don't just have to take my word for it, members from Cash's inner circle from W.S. Holland to Loy Robin and even Cindy Cash have all endorsed Cash'd Out. So head out to the South Bay, and see them for yourself.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

 

CULTURE

Bastille Day @ Bouchon (Beverly Hills)
If you're a Francophile like me, then you know that today is French National Day, otherwise known as Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789. While France celebrates with parades and fireworks, Thomas Keller and Co. pay tribute to the event with a special day at Bouchon, featuring $2 oysters, grilled treats, wine and cocktails, live music and a screening of Baz Luhrnmann's 2001 musical Moulin Rouge in the Beverly-Canon Gardens, part of their ongoing Sunday Movie Nights series.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

MUSIC

Mayer Hawthorne @ The Troubadour (West Hollywood)
Even though this show is sold out, I'm hoping you can score some tickets on Craigslist or at the door, because it's definitely the show of the week. My fellow L.A. transplant via Michigan has carved a niche for his thoroughly unique sound and celebrates the release of his third album, Where Does This Door Go, tonight with this hometown show. NPR is currently streaming the album, so you can practice dancing to the 14 tracks, which feature assists from Pharrell Williams, Jack Splash, Oak and Greg Wills.

Amanda Raya

Amanda Raya's favorite spot at the Grove: the water fountain

 

AMANDA RAYA

At The Grove

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles (Mid-City West)

At first Amanda Raya may seem like your typical 14-year-old. She loves shopping, Taylor Swift and communicating via Twitter. Once she starts talking about her music, however, it's clear that the pop singer-songwriter is more passionate about her craft than most teens are about anything.

"I love working on my music, creating and recording it," Amanda says. "I am really passionate about my music. I want people to connect with my songs, I want them to be memorable to many people."

Her drive and determination bring her all the way to Los Angeles from her home in Toronto, Canada, during summer break to do promotion for her first single, "Without No Doubt," which released last month. Although, the trip isn't that much of a sacrifice when you ask her: She takes every opportunity to express how much she loves the City of Angels.

"I love L.A.! I have family here, so we visit whenever we can," she shares. "I really like to go to the Americana at Brand, the Glendale Galleria mall and the beach in Santa Monica. When I was here in April we went to Universal Studios, which was really cool."

Today we meet at another of her favorite places in Los Angeles, the Grove. You never know what celebrities you might run into at the retail and entertainment complex. "Extra" is filmed here during the week, and there are free concerts throughout the summer (Sara Evans on July 17, Capital Cities on July 24 and the Backstreet Boys on July 31). Amanda's primary mission when she's at the Grove is shopping, though, and her favorite store is Forever 21.

"I really love the scenery here at the Grove, especially the water fountain when they do the water show with music," she admits. "It's just such a nice place to walk around." 

It's a sweltering day, so we take a seat in the shade to talk about her influences, future plans and even find out what a typical Saturday might entail back in Toronto.

"I would normally try to hang out with some friends. I'm on my phone a lot. If I have a lot of homework, then I would do some homework, but usually I like Saturday to be my chill day, so I wake up at about 12:30 p.m.," she says with a laugh. "On weekends, I sing all of my songs and try to go over them so that I'm prepared for any performances that might come up."

There's that strong work ethic shining through again. A fierce will is something that Amanda has cultivated since birth. Although she is visually impaired, she is far from handicapped. If anything, her impairment has made her even more fiercely determined to achieve her dreams.

"I think my positive attitude helps, but mostly it's my friends and family that have been so supportive with my music," she insists. "It's great to have them around because they're a really big part of this for me. I'm so grateful to them for being so supportive."

One of her sisters lends her voice to contributing background vocals on "Without No Doubt," which, Amanda says, makes the song even more special. Music is a big part of their household, with the sisters singing around Amanda playing the piano or listening to songs together. She first picked up the piano by ear at age 5 and recently started learning the guitar.

"I've always loved piano since I was young; it came naturally to me when I started taking lessons," Amanda remembers. "I play classical piano, too, so I have composed some classical pieces."

Currently she's completely focused on writing pop material, though, and it's usually a melody that will first sprout in her brain before lyrics begin to grow. Such was the case with the beginnings of "Without No Doubt."

"I can't just sit down and say, 'OK, now I'm writing a song.' That doesn't work for me, it has to come naturally like when I wrote 'Without No Doubt' during grade 8," she confesses. "I was sitting in class, and the tune just came to me. I kept on working on it, and then I performed it for our middle school talent show. My former grade 5 teacher fell in love with it and passed it along to who would eventually become my manager."

Aside from promoting the release of "Without No Doubt," constantly practicing and prepping for performances and gearing up to record more of her songs, straight-A student Amanda is set to begin high school in the fall. She has already signed up for vocal class and hopes to continue performing in school productions.

While she loves Broadway musicals like "Wicked" and "The Sound of Music," she is really into pop music, specifically Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, Adele and Alicia Keys. She just attended a Taylor Swift/Ed Sheeran concert in Toronto and came away with a lot of inspiration.

"Taylor Swift said a lot of inspiring things at the concert that I will remember. When she was young she always wanted to grow up because she thought bullying was just a school thing, but as she got older she received a lot of criticism. One critic even said that she couldn't sing, but nothing knocked her down," Amanda tells before reflecting on her own experiences. "It's just like me, even if people might say one bad comment about me, I won't let that knock me down. I won't give up. I will continue putting my music out there and being who I am."

Like I said before, Amanda Raya is anything but your typical teenage girl. She is on the road to becoming a true force to be reckoned with.

"Without No Doubt" is currently available from iTunes. For more information, visit amandaraya.com.

New Release Tuesday 7/9/13

July 9, 2013

MUSIC RELEASES

The Candles – La Candelaria (The End)
When considering the pedigree of frontman Josh Lattanzi (Juliana Hatfield, Ben Kweller, Albert Hammond Jr.), it's no stretch as to why SPIN named the Candles as having the "Best Out of the Shadows Set" at SXSW. And after listening to the New York fivesome's sophomore effort, it's clear that they are more than ready to step into the spotlight. Named for a historic neighborhood in Bogota, Colombia that Lattanzi visited while on tour, La Candelaria grabs you from the steel-guitar in opener "Blind Light" and sing-along chorus of "Believe You Now" through the head-bop inducing "What Happens Next." Catch them live when they pass through Los Angeles for a performance at the Hotel Café on July 19.

letlive. – The Blackest Beautiful (Epitaph)
After more than a decade, the L.A. heavy hitters are still going strong. With the release of their highly anticipated third album, the "soul punk" band, headed by Jason Butler – who came in at No. 1 on Kerrang's list of "The 50 Greatest Rockstars in the World Today" – are as sonically aggressive and intense as ever. While Butler passionate screams cause mosh pits to spontaneously erupt, his melodies are just as evocative of emotion on tracks like "White America's Beautiful Black Market," "Banshee (Ghost Fame)" and "Virgin Dirt."

Maps – Vicissitude (Mute)
Mercury Prize-nominated James Chapman returns with his third effort, which is the direct result of the three-year period he took for personal reflection and rearrangement after the release of 2009's Turning the Mind. He says, "The whole album is about change; it's about dealing with a struggle – whatever that may be – and ultimately coming through it." Vicissitude's 10 tracks take you from the soaring melodies of opening track "A.M.A.," uncontrollable dance beats of "You Will Find a Way" and depths of the title track. 

The Octopus Project – Fever Forms (Peek-A-Boo)
It's pretty much impossible not to smile when listening to music from the Austin quartet. Their fifth full-length continues to delight with experimental pop songs that are sure to be the life of any party. Go ahead, give "Whitby" or "Sharpteeth" a listen, and see if you can resist the temptation to get up and dance with a huge grin plastered on your face. Impossible, I say.

Also available – Adlib's Bad Newz; Airhead's For Years; araabMuzik's The Remixes, Vol. 1; Botzy's Buck Fotzy; Ciara's self-titled; Daughn Gibson's Me Moan; Freddie Gibbs' ESGN; Greenhouse's Bend But Don't Break; Hebronix's Unreal; Lantern's Rock 'N' Roll Rorschach; Like Moths to Flames' An Eye for An Eye; Mount Eerie's Live in Bloomington, September 30th, 2011; Preservation Hall Jazz Band's That's It!; Robert Pollard's Honey Locust Honky Tonk; Scud Mountain Boys' Do You Love the Sun; Skylar Grey's Don't Look Down; Thundercat's Apocalypse; Tony Touch's Piece Maker 3: Return of the 50 MC's; Various Artists' Sweet Relief III: Pennies From Heaven; Western Lows' Glacial

DVD RELEASES

Film – Admission stars Tina Fey as a Princeton admissions officer who encounters a college acquaintance played by Paul Rudd and a student he thinks deserves a place at the school – and might be the child she gave up for adoption 18 years ago; Harmony Korine directs James Franco, Selena Fomez and Vanessa Hudgens in Spring Breakers

TV – Finding Bigfoot: Volume 2; Gator Boys: Season 1; The Legend of Korra - Book One: Air; Portlandia Season 3; Unforgettable: Season One; Warehouse 13: Season Four

Music – Mindless Behavior's All Around the World
Also available – Assassins Tale; Boy; Crazy Kind of Love; Dead Man Down; The Expelled; For Richer or Poorer; The Gatekeepers; The Host; Mr. Hockey: Gordie Howe Story; The Power of Few; The Tower; Tyler Perry's Temptation; Women Who Kill; Would You Rather

STREET SIGNS - Quinceañera

Theresa Powers' 1996 mural dedicated to the rite of passage for 15-year-old Latinas was threatened last year when Señor Fish moved into the former Pescado Mojado location at 1701 West Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. When the new owners began renovating the Logan Street side of the building where the Quinceañera mural sits, Powers had OK'd its removal, so the bottom-left portion was sandblasted away. Upon further thought Powers changed her mind, and artist Kiki Giet began restoring the piece.