Upper West Restaurant Offers Johnnie Walker Dining Event, Wednesday, June 25th

Johnnie Walker has quite the reputation and Upper West’s Chef Nick has risen to the occasion to

create one of a one of a kind pairing.

Owner and Bar Manager, Eyal Raziel expects a sold out night. As with many of these events, groups of friends usually make plans to attend. Raziel explains, “When you have a culinary experience like these events it's really fun to share if with friends.”

Raziel plays an active part in producing these events. “From the first idea, to reaching out to the suppliers (the brands). Than to our meetings with Nick (chef) and the brand ambassador putting all our brain storming ideas together & coming up with a game plan for the event. When event day comes and we see our patrons happy, excited & satisfied. It makes all the hard work that everyone put together worth while.” 
He continues, “Ed Adams is a Master of Whiskey, He represents the Johnny Walker distillery.” Adams will be available at the event to answer and questions. When asked what is the most popular question that he answers at these events…he replies, “How did you get your job or how do I get your job?” Adams adds, “Johnnie Walker is a luxury brand and is as good as any single malt whisky. It’s been around almost 200 years because we know how to blend whisky that appeal to the masses.”

The “Sportsmen’s Dinner” takes place, Wednesday, June 25^th and will offer an exceptional five course meal.

Johnnie Black starts off the evening, featuring an elk sausage gumbo with malt sticky rice and parsley pesto. Next Johnnie Double Black arrives paired with antelope tartare accompanied with harissa, grain mustard, grilled bread, green apple sorrel and goose egg.

Then Johnnie Gold Reserve steps up to join Pablano and peach marinated Texas quail along with smoked cheddar grits, fennel salsa verde, tortilla broth and queso panela. Braised Buffalo short rib is the main attraction decked out with shelling bean puree, fresh horseradish, pear preserves. Sharing the spotlight is Johnnie Platinum.

Finally Johnny Blue closes the meal with funnel cake joined by johnnie black ice cream, lemon sugar, orange blossom hone.  

The Johnnie Walker Five course food Pairing will be held this Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 pm at Upper West. The price is $75.00 per person (plus tax and tip). Call 310 586-1111 ASAP, to reserve your spot for this stand out event. Upper West restaurant is l3321 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. http://www.theupperwest.com/

Jeanie Madsen Gallery & Cannibal Flower Present "I heART LA" Friday, June 20th!!

This Friday, June 20th, celebrate Los Angeles Artists at the Jeanie Madsen Gallery. "I heART LA" is a group exhibition co-curated by Jeanie Madsen and Cannibal Flower.

Jeanie Madsen opened her gallery in 2009. For this show, “I heART LA,” she has invited L.Croskey, founder of Cannibal Flower to co-curate. Madsen has a generous spirit and like Croskey has helped many emerging artists. She insists that Los Angeles tends to be more open minded to all types of art. “There is a sense of freedom to create whatever you want, not just paying attention to hype and what might sell,” says Madsen. “I support artist's that fit my niche, which is Contemporary Urban/Pop/Street. I like "fresh" cutting edge art that's never been seen before.”

John S. Reynolds is among the many talent artists whose work will be featured in the group show. Reynolds has been creating art most of his life. He was encouraged by his grandparents as a youngster and was painting before he even attended kindergarten. 

Image: by John S. Reynolds, Oil Fields and Orchards, 30” x 40” Oil on Canvas

He predominately works with oils but on occasion has used acrylics. He has also dabbled in other mediums. ”In my younger days I was a paper mache guru, selling my pieces at a booth in the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival,” says the artist.

In addition to being a painter, Reynolds is also an active musician, earning his living as a jazz guitarist. Raised in Pasadena and Laguna Beach, Reynolds was always drawn to the romance of “Old Hollywood” and features much of its glory days in his work. Inspiration for his painting often comes to him in many ways. “With my music career, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world but I have continuously worked in California, primarily in Southern California,” explains Reynolds. “While I know change is inevitable, I have stored memories in my head of “how it used to be. When driving back and forth through California playing music, I realized that I want to preserve these memories and share them. As a 4^th Pasadena, California boy, I feel almost as if it is my responsibility to do this.” To find out more about the art of John Reynolds, see his website at http://www.johnsreynolds.com/

See image: Edo Ghettoblaster, 24”x36”   Oil and Aerosol on Wood

Artist, Ken Flewellyn’s work will also be featured in “I heART LA.” He explains, “I’ll be showing one piece in the upcoming group exhibit titled ‘Edo Ghettoblaster.’ It’s one of my recent works in a series of hip hop geisha I’ve been painting.” Flewellyn's works primarily in oil paint on wood panel…he is also an illustrator. He continues, “My work is fueled by my love for hip-hop and a fascination with Japanese art and culture; really exploring the junction of cultures long past and contemporary subcultures.” For more info, see his website at www.kenflewellyn.com 

The street artist Chase will also have two of his works in the show. 'Pattern Bonanza' and 'King for a Night' were both created with spray paint on custom birch panel. Chase met Madsen through a mutual friend and has shown before at her gallery. 

See image: by Chase, Pattern Bonanza, 36" x 36" spray paint on custom birch panel

Additional artists to be featured are: Lauren Szabo, Federico Janni, Helena Gullstrom, Dale Mathis, Janna Stern, Paul Ben Victor, Carolyn Hollingsworth, Ken Brayden Mathews, Scott Horton, Robyn Horton, Delfin Finley, Billy Pacak, Phil Santos, Valerie Pobjoy, Kohshin Finley, Jon Measures, Jaclyn Rose, L. Croskey, Jennifer Korsen, Terry Ziegelman, Adam Abraham, Patrick Hammerlien, Cody Lusby, Leslie Miranda, Mary Ancilla Martinez, Spenser Little, Amy Smith, Ana Medina, Stephan Canthal, Erik Flores, Mark Forby, etc.

Don’t miss the artist reception and art party this Friday, June 20^th from 7:00-10:00pm at the Jeanie Madsen Gallery, 1431 Ocean Ave., in Santa Monica. Mr. Numberonederful will be spinning and the night will feature a performance from London Shover.  RSVP is necessary as there is limited space. RSVP to  jeanie@jeaniemadsengallery.com  For more info see http://www.jeaniemadsengallery.com/

Wednesday, June 18th. The Country Legends Perform at Dannys Venice Beach!

Wednesday, June 18^th. The Country Legends perform for the FIRST time at Danny's Venice Beach from 7-10pm. 

This Venice band has been busy playing all over town and is excited to finally play this local venue. Venice resident, Kathy Leonardo used to perform regularly at Danny's with her band….playing her originals and jazz standards and is excited to perform here once again with The Country Legends. “This band has got something for everyone” says Leonardo. “We do an eclectic mix of country & blues.”

For the past several years she has teamed up with guitarist/vocalist Greg Cruz to perform classic country songs with the Country Legends. The band consists of Greg Cruz, Kathy Leonardo, Petr Hromadko and Mitch Montrose. This band goes by the name The Venice Street Legends, when playing without Leonardo.

On June 18^th, The Country Legends will be performing several styles…country classics and some blues at the local eatery. Enjoy memorable classics from legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, June Carter, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, plus some blues standards by popular artists such as Etta James, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, and more. 

Photo by Phil Kimball

For more information about the Country Legends, see FB Page, https://www.facebook.com/TheCountryLegends  For more info on Kathy Leonardo and her five bands, see www.KathyLeonardo.com

Danny's Venice Beach is located at 23 Windward Ave. Venice 90291 (between Pacific and Speedway, off the beach); (310) 566-5610; http://www.dannysvenice.com/