LA’s Historic Hollywood Venue The Magic Castle adds New Executive Chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche.
The Magic Castle introduced a new executive chef to navigate a new menu direction, while also opening an outdoor dining space.
The landmark restaurant and venue announced that French-Canadian chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche will take over the kitchen.
Related: Eddie Vedder’s Sixth annual Ohana Festival returns with Stevie Nicks, P!NK and more Sept 30th-October 2nd at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA.
Chef LeFleche’s Journey to The Magic Castle
LaFleche spent time curating menus at Cheviot Hills’ members-only Griffin Club, and managing three restaurants at the Hilton’s Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach.
Chef Benoit LaFleche
Regulars and SoCal locals realize the food isn’t always the main draw for Magic Castle, a place that has burned through several chefs over the last few years, including Jason Sperber and a short stay by Jason Fullilove.
LaFleche’s hiring could mark the start of a revamp for the 59-year-old venue.
New Outdoor Dining Area
The first time in decades that there’s been an open-air dining option. Before it was enclosed in the 1960s, there was a second-floor balcony that eventually became the terrace dining room.
Related:
Come Taste Silverlake’s Casita Del Campo May 15 to Celebrates 60 Years in Business
Hollywood’s The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle, the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, is private, allowing entrance only to members and their guests, or through courtesy invitations which are available to magicians visiting from out of the United States.
Related: John Mulaney May 7 Hollywood Bowl Visit to his 2022 Comedy Tour
A typical evening features magic shows that range from miracles right under your nose to full stage illusions that stun an entire room.
The Castle is full of rare memorabilia and magnificent posters, so there’s a lot to see. Including a critically acclaimed full-service dining room and a number of unique bars, each with its own personality, making it easy to find just the perfect spot for whatever mood you’re in.
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Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in LA for Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21, Susan Dynner, Shauna Grace in-person
Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in Los Angeles Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21 1pm.
Award-winning short film The Soul Trader returns to Los Angeles to be screened as part of Calabasas Film Fest on Saturday September 21 at 1pm.
The Soul Trader is a 12 minute short proof of concept for a feature or series directed by Susan Dynner (Brick, Punk’s Not Dead, Code Blue: A Love Story) and starring Shauna Grace (Real Housewives…, Vanderpump Rules), Shane West (A Walk to Remember, ER, The Dirty South), Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Nope, Origin).
The story follows Coral Chase (Shauna Grace), an occult hitwoman who has the power to steal life-extending souls, which she then sells to vain, wealthy elites like Erica Claessen (Donna Mills), who clings to the crumbs of youth. She’s flanked by stoic bodyguard Damien (Shane West), who ultimately emerges from the shadows as her rival when she’s about to carry out a money-spinning hit at a target’s home and realizes she’s not the only one with murder in mind.
“We’re excited that the audience is falling in love with this story and
a strong female lead.
I want to keep sharing this story with audiences everywhere”
Director / Producer Susan Dynner
The short film launched at the Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion in May and has been gaining momentum ever since.
It won its first award just weeks later at the Manhattan Film Festival in NYC. Then more acclaim at Rock The Shorts in Beverly Hills and DC Shorts in Washington, DC, one of the country’s largest short film festivals.
Now it’s set to screen at many more festivals on the West Coast, East Coast and across the globe.
“I’m proud this project is inspiring so many women.
We meet people after every screening, women who are excited by the Coral characters.
Playing the role of Coral, working with our cast and crew has been incredible.
But the biggest thanks is the reaction from the audience.
Getting to meet people who are excited and inspired by the story and characters.”
Actress / Executive Producer Shauna Grace
Meanwhile the filmmaking duo Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace are busy taking meetings toward their next step.
What is their next step?
“This was always meant as a proof of concept short film to become a feature film or TV series.
With the sold-out screenings and awards, it just confirms our feeling that this story is so much bigger than a short.”
Susan Dynner
Actress Shauna Grace has been receiving strong reviews, comparing her on screen presence to other heroines including Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.
Dynner’s experience as a studio development executive for visionaries such as Richard Donner and Wolfgang Peterson shines through. Also, her producing work on Sundance hit “Brick” and festival darling “Punks Not Dead” shows her ability to bring production value on a range of budgets.
Both Dynner and Grace will attend their Calabasas Film Festival screening on Saturday September 21 at 1pm and be available afterwards to discussion.
The Soul Trader is directed and produced by Dynner, written by newcomer Mike Underwood, photographed by Matthias Schubert (The Door Man, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, Shelter in Solitude), produced by Lauren Bancroft (The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, Wild Bitch, Bite Size Halloween), edited by David Hopper (God Bless America, In Between Songs, Rust Creek), and executive produced by Shauna Grace, with music composed by Jeff Russo (Fargo, Ripley, Star Trek: Discovery).
See The Soul Trader at Calabasas Film Festival on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 1pm. Tix available here: https://calabasasfilmfestival.com/session/shorts-program/
Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024 :Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest (Updated)
Los Angeles’ Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest, Halloween Event List 2024 (Updated)
Our guide to Halloween 2024 in Los Angeles has you covered with the best treats, the most inspiring costumes and the best neighborhoods for fun, frights and memorable nights.
Los Angeles Halloween: Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
8 Terrifying Haunted Houses
From cinematic greats and crazed cult favorites to the park’s original abominations, enter mind ripping haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror.
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse
Terrifying Blumhouse characters have taken over the Terror Tram. Face the murderous android M3GAN. The Grabber. And more.
4 Sinister Scare Zones
Take on four sinister scare zones, each with a different terrifying theme.
Luchadores Monstruosos
¡Ojo! You’re about to get caught in the middle of a Lucha Libre horror film as two luchadores battle masked monsters.
Murder of Crowz
You’ve foolishly ventured into a massive crow’s nest. Now the fearsome flock will descend upon you and peck your bones clean.
Chainsaw Punkz
Get revved up for your night of terror as soon as you enter. Chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with masks and mohawks will close in on you.
Skull Lordz
All hail the royal court of the undead, where gothic kings and queens reign. Beware! Cross into their spectral kingdom at your own peril.
Explore the Gore Your Way
Grab your tickets to the terror. Enhance the horror with an R.I.P. Tour or admission that includes express access. Or, maximize your fear by staying near the screams with a Hotel & Ticket Package.
Buy your tix today:
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us/tickets
Los Angeles Halloween: Delusion
Story takes place in the mid 20th Century, centering around the brilliant psychologist Dr. Frederick Lowell and you, his cohort of unusual patients.
An epic and haunting adventure awaits those willing to play their part in Delusion’s latest interactive play. You will play the role of Dr. Frederick Lowell’s most prized patients, found sleepwalking on the grounds of the Red Castle. Yet this time, when you awake, your memory has faded and Dr. Lowell is nowhere to be found.
PLAY YOUR PART EXPERIENCE
Head to the VIP lounge for your private bar where you might stumble upon a few hidden surprises and performers.
Then venture beyond the veil of the show and prepare to showcase your mad talents. A quick costume change into mental asylum garb and off you go, awaiting actual patrons of the play as they move through a deranged scene that features you!
Buy tix to Delusion here:
https://enterdelusion.com/buy-tickets/
West Hollywood Halloween Carnival
West Hollywood loves Halloween, and the City of West Hollywood is thrilled that Halloween is back with Halloween Carnaval 2024!
The City’s incomparable Halloween Carnaval is one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world.
Halloween Carnaval is free to attend and will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024 on a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard.
Staged on Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66, Halloween Carnaval will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks and thousands of wildly dressed Halloween revelers for a one-of-a-kind experience.
There will also be Halloween celebrations at businesses, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the City!
The City invites Halloween Carnaval-goers to get into the spirit and show off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween.
Halloween at Cinespia
For its October 2024 lineup, presented by Amazon MGM Studios, the LA-based organization announced screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Trick ‘r Treat, Coraline and Suspiria, leading up to Halloween.
Cinespia will also host a special Halloween night screening of director Dario Argento‘s horror classic Suspiria on Oct. 31 at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Halloween Organ, Film & Music: Nosferatu
Thu / Oct 31, 2024 – 8:00PM
Silent film specialist Clark Wilson returns for Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Halloween concert, performing a chilling, original organ score to the 1922 Nosferatu—one of the most influential works in cinema and the horror genre—live to picture.
Tix here: https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3006/2024-10-31/halloween-organ-film-music-nosferatu
David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl
Tix here: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3507/2024-10-30/david-gilmour
Knox Dobson RTD Wins Double Gold Medal, Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox Dobson ’s Superior Ready-to-Drink Improved Whiskey Cocktail Wins Prestigious Double Gold Medal & Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox & Dobson, a new collection of superior ready-to-drink cocktails, proudly announces that their Improved Whiskey Cocktail has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal and their Old Fashioned Cocktail has won a Gold Medal in the Ready-to-Drink category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Receiving a high-tier medal at SFWSC is a testament to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
This year’s competition featured nearly 5,000 entries, judged by experienced and knowledgeable spirits critics through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and integrity.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails is designed to be shared with friends, making it easy to simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
The collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson Founder & President Rob Levy (Former Owner, The Raymond 1886) and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, Proof Media Mix).
The lineup includes a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule.
Each cocktail features the highest quality ingredients such as hand-selected barrel-aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.
“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”
Rob Levy
Knox & Dobson Founder & President
“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”
Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street, is where he spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and ‘70s, hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go handcrafted beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.
The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV), which was awarded this year’s Double Gold Medal, is made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail features a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, and bright and deep cherry notes, making it a whiskey cocktail meant to be sipped and savored.
The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned (38% ABV), which was awarded the Gold Medal, consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice. Each 200-milliliter bottle features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
Knox & Dobson is available for delivery Nationwide.
Visit Knox & Dobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today.
To see the full list of locations to purchase directly, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Stockists page.
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Donnachiara Winery’s Old World Charm Creates Your Perfect Thanksgiving
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto brought Thanksgiving early to one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo.
Hosted by the always amazing certified Italian Wine Ambassador with a Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Susannah Gold, we tasted through 6 wines (4 white, 2 red) paired with 4 courses aiming for a Thanksgiving to remember.
Wine Expert Susannah Gold
The secondo was very Thanksgiving – influenced (and spoiler alert: the wine that Donnachiara chose was absolutely perfect.)
The special secret to Donnachiara Winery’s roster in my humble opinion is incredible Old World quality with truly remarkable present day pricing.
Donnachiara Winery is Old World with Modern Twist
Before we ate, Ilaria introduced her family’s history and explained how the new generation (her generation) is leading the Montefalcione wine revolution, with her mother’s blessing.
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto
In the same spirit, Ilaria proudly announced that she is now the Vice President of the Conosrzio di Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia.
Ilaria continued, sharing their winery is located in Montefalcione, in the Irpinia area near Avellino. While the vineyards have been in the family for over 150 years, the modern winery was completed in 2005. Ilaria’s mother, Chiara Petitto, is a vocal supporter of her work in the winery.
Tell Me More About Donnachiara Winery
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The Donnachiara Winery stands high on the hills of Montefalcione.
Montefalcione is nestled in the Central West of Italy, near Montevergine and Chiusano – just over two hours south of Rome and about an hour East of Naples.
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The winery’s philosophy is to preserve the traditional grape varieties of the local territory and keep the typical character of the wines from being lost to standardization, like many of the wines on the market today.
Our Early Thanksgiving Feast Starts from Donnachiara Winery
Antipasti
Crudo di Spigola marinato al lime ed erbe su crostino
Mini Mozzarelle in Carrozza Con Salsetta D’ Acciughe di Cetara
Palle di riso piselli, parmigiano e sughetto di vitello
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021 is the perfect start. A golden shimmer in the glass. The nose matches with a striking aroma of cream, a hint of bread crust and french vanilla. The mouth is full bodied, bright and creamy. A light touch, which would pair well with grilled salmon.
Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021 continues to tease and tickle your senses. Straw yellow in the glass with a chalky, limestone bouquet. A lighter mouthfeel with a soft, tart note. Would pair deliciously with seafood, mussels, lobster.
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021, Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021
Primo
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Con fagioli Spollichini e cozze
Greco di Tufo docg 2021 is pale yellow in the glass. A beautiful bouquet of peach, pineapple, and apricot. The mouth is fresh and soft, and lingers on and on. Pairs well with light seafood and pasta with truffles.
Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 is quite incredible. Pale yellow in the glass. A complex nose of peach, pineapple and the faintest hint of cedar. The strikingly fresh, bolder taste and slightly heavier mouthfeel would pair well with seafood, pasta with mushrooms, and blue cheeses.
Greco di Tufo docg 2021, Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020
Secondo
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
con friarielli saltati in Padella
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020 has a gorgeous violet shimmer in the glass. The nose is blueberry with a hint of herb. Medium mouthfeel with mineral and herbal hints. Would pair well with turkey and rabbit.
Taurasi docg 2018 is an all-star for this meal. Ruby red in the glass. Burnt cherry, with plums and toast on the nose. Mouth is a velvety, gush of jam with black currant. Would pair well with gamey and braised meats.
If you’re serving cranberry as a side dish, this Taurasi bottle elevates the taste. It’s a winner.
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020, Taurasi docg 2018
Dolce
La Pastiera Napoletana
Caffe
Biscotti
La Pastiera Napoletana
While each of the wines tasted at lunch were enjoyable, there were two that are perfect for your Thanksgiving pairings.
If you ordered both for your Thanksgiving, poured Alethia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 as your guests are arriving and offered Taurasi docg 2018 as you served your main course, magic would happen!
The wines are available at Total Wine throughout the country and at selected stores and restaurants around the East Coast.Donnachiara Winery’s website is Donnachiara.com -
Looking for a tasty new holiday treat? Nicki Minaj’s MYX Fusion’s answer is ‘One in a Melon’
Looking for a tasty new holiday treat? Nicki Minaj’s MYX Fusion’s answer is ‘One in a Melon’
Peach, Mango, Coconut, and now Watermelon!
Nicki Minaj’s Watermelon Moscato for the Holidays
Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, MYX Beverages presents the latest variety of fruit-infused wines: MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato.
Nicki Minaj’s Moscato is full of holiday fun
This latest flavor is full of holiday fun and makes a delicious addition to your go-to lineup of refreshments.
Nicki Minaj’s Watermelon Moscato for the Holidays
This clean and crisp infusion offers a perfectly balanced blend of premium Moscato wine with natural juices from fresh, ripe watermelons. Bursting with flavor, this refreshing Moscato tastes like summer in a glass.
Nicki Minaj’s Moscato MYX Watermelon is everything you want
MYX Watermelon Moscato wine is everything you want in a light-bodied, thirst-quenching summer beverage. It’s smooth, slightly effervescent, and easy to drink.
The signature fruit-forward notes of Moscato shine through, while the delightful watermelon flavor provides a crisp, clean finish.
MYX Watermelon Moscato is very versatile
MYX Watermelon Moscato is very versatile, with a sweetness and lower alcohol level that pairs well with most foods. Serve it with fish, chicken, seafood, duck, and vegetables. It’s also a wonderful companion for your favorite ice cream, cookies, and cakes. Keep it on ice at your outdoor barbecue or beach party for easy summer refreshment.
Find MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato at wine retailers, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Find MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato at wine retailers, supermarkets, and convenience stores. It comes in 4-packs of 187ml single-serve bottles (MSRP $9.99 to $10.99) and 750ML bottles (distributed by Royal Wine Corp; MSRP of $8.99-$9.99).
- 5.5% alcohol by volume
- Sold in 187ml 4-packs and 750ml bottles
- Crafted from Gordo Australian Moscato Grapes
- Gluten-free, OU Kosher certified
MYX Beverage LLC
Refreshing and bursting with big, bold flavors, MYX Fusions offers a full range of fruit-infused Moscato wines (Peach, Mango, Coconut, and Watermelon), Sangrias (Classic and Tropical), Concord Wine, and Light Wine (Rose and Chardonnay). All wines are created from top-quality imported wines from Australia, Spain, Italy, and Argentina. Get in the Myx and follow MYX everywhere at @MYXFusions.
Myx Fusions beverage company was started by Nicki Minaj.
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San Diego: Tequila and Taco Music Festival Returns April 6-7, at a New Venue
Tequila and Taco Music Festival Returns to San Diego April 6-7, at a New Venue
The 8th annual Tequila and Taco Music Festival returns to San Diego at its new venue in Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.
8th annual Tequila and Taco Music Festival at Snapdragon Stadium April 6-7
Festival goers will enjoy an enticing array of tequila tastings, delectable tacos, artisan vendors, and an exciting lineup of live music performances.
8th annual Tequila and Taco Music Festival
This annual festival has etched itself as a regional highlight, drawing thousands of attendees from across the state.
“We are thrilled to bring the Tequila and Taco Music Festival to Snapdragon Stadium for an unforgettable weekend of festivities,”
Vincenzo Giammanco
CBF Productions President
“This event is a celebration of delicious Mexican food, craft tequila, and great music. We look forward to welcoming attendees from near and far to join us for a memorable experience.”
A carefully curated and diverse selection of over 20 premium tequilas, from smooth blanco by Nosotros Tequila to aged añejo by Rancho La Gloria, will be available for tequila enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Attendees will also enjoy different variations of traditional street tacos and innovative creations from over 15 local and regional chefs and eateries including Global Tacos Grill, Barra Cruda, Baja Tacos and more.
Beyond culinary delights and libations, attendees will enjoy two days of live music spanning various genres, including Shaggy and Ozomatli. Artisan vendors will also be on-site, showcasing unique crafts from Temascali and Kopacetic Kreations, jewelry from JorgeGeorge and Roni’s Treasures, apparel from Alberly and SD Cork Hats, and much more.
Tickets are available for purchase online, with various options to suit individual preferences. General Admission ($24.99) includes admission into the festival (food and drinks purchased separately);
Margarita Experience (2 for $50) includes admission for two people who will receive a complimentary margarita upon entry (food and additional drinks purchased separately;
Tequila Experience ($59.99) includes admission into the festival, a souvenir tasting cup upon entry and six .5 oz samples of craft tequila.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/san-diego.
About Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Tequila and Taco Music Festival is an annual celebration of Mexican culture, culinary delights, and live music held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Featuring tequila tastings, gourmet tacos, live music, and artisan vendors, the festival offers attendees an immersive and vibrant experience.
About Snapdragon Stadium
Snapdragon Stadium is a premier event venue located in San Diego, California, renowned for hosting a variety of concerts, festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year.
About CBF Productions
CBF Productions is a leading event production company dedicated to creating memorable experiences that bring communities together. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to innovation, CBF Productions produces a diverse range of events that inspire, entertain, and delight attendees of all ages.
