By Susan Hornik
Gbajabiamila has a busy schedule, co-hosting NFL Fantasy Live and the "Team Ninja Warrior" spinoff on USA Network. It's no wonder why health is of utmost importance to him:
"I recently saw the documentaries, 'What The Health' and 'Sugar Coated,' it blew my mind. Whereas I am always working out to improve the exterior of my body, I am now doing a lot of work to improve my interior-what I am consuming and how I am consuming it. We only get one life; I want to make sure I am staying fit. I became vegan recently and I love it."
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Akbar Gbajabiamilla, host of American Ninja Warrior, and Ninja Kevin The Bull at their Emmy lunch
Chef Jamie Lauren (remember her from Bravo's "Top Chef" and "Top Chef: All Stars"?), had long lines as people waiting to experience the unique burger from her pop up, Hank and Frida's Burger Time. "Hollywood is such an exciting place for food these days. I love being able to come here and talk with people," she enthused.
One of the standout dishes on Saturday's event was the risotto, expertly created by Rays and Stark Bar's renowned chef, Fernando Darin.
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Prepared by Chef Fernando Darin
With the American Film Institute's film festival coming up in Hollywood this fall, Lella is excited abut all the networking possibilities."It's truly great to be able to connect with fellow filmmakers. "
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Initially the reason for writing the film was to create a role for herself as an actor.
"But then the vision got bigger and I realized I have to direct it.," said Satie. "At that point, I held auditions and gave my role to Mandy May Cheetham, who did a great job as Maggie. I still made a cameo appearance and had a great production team." Award-winning Director Of Photography Stephen Whitehead Chandler worked on the film, along with composer Veljko Kuzmančević."
The film screens at the Burbank Film Festival on September 8th.
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Jessyka Winston
Hoodoo's sole purpose is self-improvement, and the healing of community, noted Winston. "The work I do is focused on improving the daily lives of my clients. Whether it be in matters of love, finances, healing and guidance on your spiritual path, I can be of service."
Winston believes we are currently in the age of enlightenment.
"Enlightenment is the removal of illusion. We are finally seeing what has always been there and that is the blessing disguised as chaos. We cannot heal what isn't exposed. Now more than ever, we need to be focusing on the bigger picture and get to work. The world we see is nothing more than the projection of each individual's internal landscape. By improving our human experience and creating inner harmony, we'll be able to project that onto the world."
Winston runs her business from her home apothecary, where she provides the local customer an extensive menu of magical tools for self-improvement and self-healing. Items like fixed candles, Mojo bags, as well as Rootwork (spell work) services and Tarot readings.
"I love how central and vibrant the neighborhood of Hollywood is. This area is the heart of LA. This makes it easy and accessible for clients to find and meet with me. There is so much to offer; being in the center of everything has definitely added to the growth of my local business."
One of Winston's favorite spots is Rock n Roll Ralph's. "I buy a lot of the natural ingredients like herbs, flowers and even candles for my work."
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World Cabernet Day is coming up on August 31-you can celebrate with Feudi's Missoni Cabernet Sauvignon Terre Siciliane IGT, a deep ruby wine which goes well with porcini mushrooms and aged cheese. Feudi del Pisciotto collaborated with some of Italy's finest fashion designers, including Versace, Valentino, Missoni, Carolina Marengo, Alberta Ferretti, Gianfranco Ferré and Giambattista Valli, to create the packaging for Pisciotto's designer wine line. A portion of the proceeds from these modern wines is donated to the restoration of fine Sicilian art.
"The Hydrafacial is ideal for celebrity clientele as it delivers immediate results in making the skin look brighter and healthier," said Ashraf Eleish, president. "It's great for red carpet events due to the brightness and skin clarity that it can deliver. Especially for those who unfortunately have to deal with problematic skin, the Hydrafacial can correct those issues without the use of invasive cosmetic treatments. So, same day results with amazing post make up applications."
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The Hydrafacial is a popular treatment for Beauty Bar's array of celebrity clients like Paris Hilton, Kate Winslet, Drake, Justin Bieber, and numerous "Real Housewives" stars.
The medical grade resurfacing facial uses vortex fusion techniques to exfoliate, extract, hydrate and infuse essential serums that are packed with vitamins and ingredients which benefit the skin and make it look healthier and brighter than ever before.
Other treatments at Beauty Bar include botox and the noninvasive fat reduction technique, cool sculpting.
Television
NBC has had huge success with "American Ninja Warrior," which was recently nominated for an Emmy. "I have been so excited with how the show has been appreciated by viewers. It has been an amazing season," said host Akbar Gbajabiamila.Gbajabiamila has a busy schedule, co-hosting NFL Fantasy Live and the "Team Ninja Warrior" spinoff on USA Network. It's no wonder why health is of utmost importance to him:
"I recently saw the documentaries, 'What The Health' and 'Sugar Coated,' it blew my mind. Whereas I am always working out to improve the exterior of my body, I am now doing a lot of work to improve my interior-what I am consuming and how I am consuming it. We only get one life; I want to make sure I am staying fit. I became vegan recently and I love it."
Akbar Gbajabiamilla, host of American Ninja Warrior, and Ninja Kevin The Bull at their Emmy lunch
Food
There were numerous delicious items at the 7th annual LA Food and Wine Festival. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone hosted Thursday night, with both of his restaurants, Maude and Gwen, serving an impressive 4,000 portions of food. "It's incredible to be here, it's nonstop for us, as we are also coordinating a dinner and a lunch after this, but I always love to challenge myself."Chef Jamie Lauren (remember her from Bravo's "Top Chef" and "Top Chef: All Stars"?), had long lines as people waiting to experience the unique burger from her pop up, Hank and Frida's Burger Time. "Hollywood is such an exciting place for food these days. I love being able to come here and talk with people," she enthused.
One of the standout dishes on Saturday's event was the risotto, expertly created by Rays and Stark Bar's renowned chef, Fernando Darin.
Prepared by Chef Fernando Darin
"I was playing with these ingredients in the restaurant," Darin explained. "The way I like to eat risotto is to make the rice a star-there are no other textures besides the rice. It was a crazy process but it came together wonderfully."
If ever you go to LACMA, check out one of Chef Darin's amazing creations!Film
Lella Satie, has had enormous success with her short film "Father" at the international film festivals. "Living in Hollywood has been very good for me creatively speaking. The industry is so prevalent here and there are many interesting people to collaborate with."With the American Film Institute's film festival coming up in Hollywood this fall, Lella is excited abut all the networking possibilities."It's truly great to be able to connect with fellow filmmakers. "
Initially the reason for writing the film was to create a role for herself as an actor.
"But then the vision got bigger and I realized I have to direct it.," said Satie. "At that point, I held auditions and gave my role to Mandy May Cheetham, who did a great job as Maggie. I still made a cameo appearance and had a great production team." Award-winning Director Of Photography Stephen Whitehead Chandler worked on the film, along with composer Veljko Kuzmančević."
The film screens at the Burbank Film Festival on September 8th.
Culture
Hollywood is a mystical place for many occultists like Jessyka Winston, a rootworker who practices hoodoo in Hollywood. "Hoodoo is an African American folk magic, and natural medicine tradition created in the south by the early descendants of Africans brought here as slaves. It is a practice that was created to overcome suffering and challenging conditions."
Jessyka Winston
Hoodoo's sole purpose is self-improvement, and the healing of community, noted Winston. "The work I do is focused on improving the daily lives of my clients. Whether it be in matters of love, finances, healing and guidance on your spiritual path, I can be of service."
Winston believes we are currently in the age of enlightenment.
"Enlightenment is the removal of illusion. We are finally seeing what has always been there and that is the blessing disguised as chaos. We cannot heal what isn't exposed. Now more than ever, we need to be focusing on the bigger picture and get to work. The world we see is nothing more than the projection of each individual's internal landscape. By improving our human experience and creating inner harmony, we'll be able to project that onto the world."
Winston runs her business from her home apothecary, where she provides the local customer an extensive menu of magical tools for self-improvement and self-healing. Items like fixed candles, Mojo bags, as well as Rootwork (spell work) services and Tarot readings.
"I love how central and vibrant the neighborhood of Hollywood is. This area is the heart of LA. This makes it easy and accessible for clients to find and meet with me. There is so much to offer; being in the center of everything has definitely added to the growth of my local business."
One of Winston's favorite spots is Rock n Roll Ralph's. "I buy a lot of the natural ingredients like herbs, flowers and even candles for my work."
Drinks
Many Italian wineries have capitalized on the agritourism trend and have small hotels/B&Bs for tourists to stay on property and see the process of making wine firsthand. But even if you can't get to Italy, you can still head to your local liquor store and purchase the Tuscan luxury wine, Gagliole, Sicily's Feudi del Pisciotto and Piedmont's Pecchenino. These are beautiful wines that are perfect for late summer.
World Cabernet Day is coming up on August 31-you can celebrate with Feudi's Missoni Cabernet Sauvignon Terre Siciliane IGT, a deep ruby wine which goes well with porcini mushrooms and aged cheese. Feudi del Pisciotto collaborated with some of Italy's finest fashion designers, including Versace, Valentino, Missoni, Carolina Marengo, Alberta Ferretti, Gianfranco Ferré and Giambattista Valli, to create the packaging for Pisciotto's designer wine line. A portion of the proceeds from these modern wines is donated to the restoration of fine Sicilian art.
Beauty
If you are looking for a pick me up to combat summertime dehydrated skin, try Beauty Bar Clinic's Hydrafacial. The med spa is newly open in Hollywood."The Hydrafacial is ideal for celebrity clientele as it delivers immediate results in making the skin look brighter and healthier," said Ashraf Eleish, president. "It's great for red carpet events due to the brightness and skin clarity that it can deliver. Especially for those who unfortunately have to deal with problematic skin, the Hydrafacial can correct those issues without the use of invasive cosmetic treatments. So, same day results with amazing post make up applications."
The Hydrafacial is a popular treatment for Beauty Bar's array of celebrity clients like Paris Hilton, Kate Winslet, Drake, Justin Bieber, and numerous "Real Housewives" stars.
The medical grade resurfacing facial uses vortex fusion techniques to exfoliate, extract, hydrate and infuse essential serums that are packed with vitamins and ingredients which benefit the skin and make it look healthier and brighter than ever before.
Other treatments at Beauty Bar include botox and the noninvasive fat reduction technique, cool sculpting.
First up is "At Dawn," by Calamity West, directed by Ahmed Best. In an isolated cabin, a woman is interrogated by the police about her sexual, political, and financial associations. There is constant threat of physical abuse and, when it happens, it is swift and brutal. While I appreciate the show's powerful statement about women's lack of power over their own lives, the intensity of the violence cast a pall over the rest of the evening. I would have liked to see this piece performed in a later slot. Also jarring: this piece is set in 2047 -- thirty years in the future -- but the setting and dialogue felt more like the distant past. 
The final piece, "Violet," by Jacqueline Wright, directed by Teagan Rose, provides a short, simple and welcoming coda to a strenuous night of theatre. After a man rapes Violet (no relation to the character in the earlier piece), she sits by herself in her dark apartment, going through the anger, doubt, panic and hopelessness that you would expect. Then Lea, her neighbor and friend, enters the scene. Lea holds Violet and calms her. She tells Violet that there is healing and hope in the light. And curtain. 
The two leads, Cali Fleming and Michael Connors give wonderful performances in this bleak tale about a lovely 27-year-old woman named Una who seeks closure with Ray. Fifteen years earlier when she was 12 and he was 40, Ray initiated an inappropriate relationship with Una. Ray served time in prison for his crime and paid the price -- he destroyed his life, his reputation and his livelihood. Una, the willing underage victim also spent the last 15 years of her life in a prison. It has been hell for both of them. The piece could also very easily be called "When People Make Grave Mistakes" and is definitely worth seeing. 
Viver Brasil at the Ford Theatres on September 22 is an event you do not want to miss. I've seen this extraordinary group several times during the years and they never disappoint. 
Opening night of Justin Tanner's comedy "Heartbreak Help" at The Dorie Theatre at The Complex on Santa Monica Boulevard was a total blast! This revival of the popular acclaimed play well produced and well directed by Stan Zimmerman ("Roseanne,""Gilmore Girls,""The Golden Girls") features an incredible all star cast starring Melissa Peterman ("Reba"), Marissa Jaret Winokur ("Hairspray"), Teresa Ganzel ("The Toy") and Sarah Gilman ("Last Man Standing"). 
As the spotlight captures three fabulous drag queens at center stage, the music, reminiscent of the New York City LGBTQ community's underground ball scene, turns up and the House of Malacanang vogues down the walkway. The Echo Theater Company proves again that is truly the "Best Bet for Ballsy Original Plays" as LA Weekly stated in 2014 with its latest production directed by Rodney To, "Fixed."
Jenny, played by the hilarious Allen Lucky Weaver, is Miracles' House sister who tries to reason her out of the romantic fantasy with Marciano who toys with her emotions versus Gigi's more aggressive means of separating the two. Chris Aguila beautifully plays Miracles as someone who fiercely refuses to let anyone advise her on her journey through self-discovery, gender identity and love. Wade Allain-Marcus is from the hit HBO show "Insecure" and plays a different type of character this time as the womanizer Marciano. Besides Miracles, Marciano also manages to put Lizette under his spell. As Lizette chases emotionally unavailable Marciano, AJ, played by Adrian Gonzalez, chases after Lizette. 
In the middle of this entire conflict, are Dana and Hudson, an ambitious duo looking to get Hudson elected as county sheriff. They are also trying to keep Miracles and Marciano apart since he is Hudson's brother and Miracles' gender fluidity isn't a good image for their family, according to Dana and Hudson. Renee-Marie Brewster as Dana and Joseph Valdez as Hudson both give an evocative performance as two people who may mean well, but let their political drive dictate their relationships with others in maintaining the perfect public persona. 
Australian playwright Dan Lee came up with the idea for "Grey Nomad," a couple of years ago. He was living in the Australian town of Boome and noticed that every year during the dry season, 15,000-60,000 baby boomers would come to town in their R.V.'s -- retired folk who decided to spend the rest of their lives just traveling around the country. 
"Runaway Home" is a political play that goes down easy like a sitcom, but leaves the audience with new awareness and renewed sympathy for the lingering tragedy of post-Katrina New Orleans. 
Despite a topic filled with frustration and heartache, playwright Jeremy J. Kamps focuses on the characters and their relationships, making the show accessible, fast and funny. There are a few dark twists, but Kamps keeps it light. In a community meeting scene, for instance, Shana's powerful speech (criticizing FEMA and asking "who is really doing the looting?") is tempered by Lone Wolf and Mr. Dee's comic business. 
The last week in the life of Frida Kahlo is the subject of the Macha Theatre's original production of "Frida - Stroke of Passion." Writer-director Odalys Nanin has created a comprehensive tour of Frida's life with Mexican spit and fire. Ms. Nanin is also the star, portraying Frida Kahlo as a playful lover of life who has been cursed with an imperfect body (born with polio, victim of a horrific trolley accident) and excruciating episodes of pain. 
"Mice," written by Schaefer Nelson might sound innocent, but this one-act play evokes the feeling you experience when alone in a dark room surrounded by low squeaks and the scratching of tiny clawed feet. This is not the happy land of childhood magic, this is the playground of a deranged cannibalistic serial killer, a Mouseman who makes preacher's wives disappear. 
The experience was reminiscent of sitting up close and personal with a less bloody "Saw." Heather Robinson's performance was raw and tortured without being overdrawn and perfectly balanced by Sharmila Devar's jaded and survivalist Ayushi. Together the three actors made time fly and the viewers uncomfortably squirm in their seats. 
The premiere of the riveting new documentary "Architects of Denial" took place at the Tagylan Complex in Hollywood. The must-see film is executive produced by Dean Cain and Montel Williams as well as directed and produced by David Lee George. 
"Since the end of World War II, every civilized nation on earth has adhered to the principle of 'never again' and that's why we made this film, " stated Executive Producer Montel Williams, "we know if we allow this genocide to be forgotten, we run the risk of repeating the evils of humanity's collective past."
Recently, Philosophy and the Hope & Grace initiative for women's mental health hosted a discussion focused on reframing well being as a key to resilience and change. Monica Seles, 9-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion; former World No. 1; Wellness expert Stephanie Covington, PhD., Co-Director of the Center for Gender & Justice; Kavita Beri, MD, Fellow, Regenerative Cosmetics at TRI Princeton; and Marie-Pierre Stark-Flora, Global SVP, philosophy at Coty, Inc. spoke at the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Paris, France.The panel discussed ways to amplify the conversation around women's mental health. 
An innocent man is on the run from the police for the murder of a mysterious woman. Who are those men standing under the street lamp just outside his window? Who are those eccentric lingerie salesmen in the train compartment? Who are those frisky farmers? Who is the professor and his go-go-dancers? Who are those kindly Scottish innkeepers? 
Townsend Coleman, of the male gender, is Clown 1. Mr. Coleman plays a few male parts plus all of the female secondary characters. He is a seasoned middle-aged performer; when he puts on a shawl and plays a woman, the incongruity between gravitas and gams is hysterical. (I told you Monty Python was an influence here.) Carly Lopez, of the female gender, is Clown 2. Ms. Lopez is a pixie, short of stature, who plays only male secondary characters. She steals the show with her parodies of intellectual professors, concerned lawmen and a lusty, doddering old Scottish innkeeper, among others. 
"Hello Stranger" written by Sharon Yablon and directed by Sarah Figoten Wilson is one of the most original, engrossing plays I've seen in a long time. 
A delightful evening with stylish singer/dynamo Neile Adams at the beautiful Catalina Bar & Grill Jazz Club on Sunset directed by Ted Sprague. The engaging, warm and very personable Ms. Adams and former Mrs. Steve McQueen was fun, feisty and fabulous with a great sense of humor. 
Next month, Discover Hollywood readers are invited to hear the uplifting story behind the documentary "Mighty Ground," which follows the journey of a gifted songwriter named Ronald Troy Collins, a homeless man living on the streets of Skid Row. Collins is a living example of redemption and what it means to transform one's self from rock bottom. 
Music