Performing a string of #1 hits, Debbie Harry of Blondie and Pat Benatar joined forces for the “Call Me Invisible 2009 Tour” and rocked the sold out Pacific Amphitheatre, proving to over 8,000 fans that they were still the reigning queens of badass.

Before the show, we were told that Harry was extremely nervous and wanted everything to go smoothly. If she was nervous, her performance did not reflect it one bit. Wearing a black top, Chuck Taylors, sunglasses and black skirt, she opened the show with, “Call Me” and middle-aged fans cheered and danced in enthusiasm.

Vocally, Blondie surprisingly sounded the same as she did back in the 80s. During her set, she sang “Hanging OnThe Telephone,” “Maria,” “Tide Is High,” “Heart of Glass,” and “One Way or Another.” There was a bit of dancing on stage and Debby Harry was clearly enjoying herself, swinging her arms back and forth while urging the crowd to sing along. The crowd loved her performance and screamed whenever Harry held the mic to the audience.

As the show came to a close, the band left the stage only to return for an encore. Fans were elated as Blondie came back out and closed the show with a tribute to Michael Jackson by performing, “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”

It’s amazing that the band still sounded as good as they did a few decades ago. Despite the drug addictions, problems with band management and even being sued by former band mates, the band proved to be resilient onstage.

Here’s some footage:
Blondie performing Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”


Here’s Blondie performing “Call Me” and “Hanging On The Telephone”

For questions, comments or suggestion, let us know by clicking here.

With fall semester around the corner, the AMBER Ready Foundation is reacting by launching the AMBER Ready Back To School Safety Weekend at ABC Studios, live in Times Square August 14-16. The free event will offer back to school tips, food, prizes and family fun entertainment as well as free musical performances by Trey Songz, Day 26, Doug E. Fresh, Toby Love and others.

The Times Square Plaza will play host to celebrities, athletes, civic and community leaders who plan on attending the event. Beginning at noon, attendees will enjoy the Celebrity Virtual Game On and at 6pm, music acts will take the stage. At 9pm, there will be an AMBER light vigil for missing children.

Every year, over 800,000 children are reported missing and 364,000 are abducted. The AMBER Ready Program gives parents and guardians the ability to store their child's information including their photo, description and other info. on their phones and if the unfortunate where to happen, the Amber Ready subscriber can easily transfer the information to media stations, airports, law enforcement and the entire AMBER Alert network.

About the Musical Acts:

Trey Songz (Tremaine Aldon Neverson) is a Grammy nominee singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer and actor. He's signed to Atlantic/Marfontaine Records and in 2009, Songz earned a Grammy Award nomination for "Can't Help but Wait." The song also earned a nomination at the BET Awards for Best Male R&B Artist.



Day 26 of Bad Boy Records was showcased for the world to see on MTV's show Diddy's "Making the Band 4." Group members include Robert Curry, Brian Andrews, Willie Taylor, Michael McCluney, and Qwanell Mosley. The group has two albums out titled, Day 26 and Forever in a Day. In 2009, they won Best Group at the BET Awards.


Doug E. Fresh (Douglas Davis) is known as the beat box king and widely recognized for hip hop classics "The Show" as well as the B-side "La Di Da Di." Davis partnered with Slick Rick back in the 80s and was the frontman of Doug E Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew. Today, Davis

Toby Love is a Latin R&B singer signed to Sony BMG. Love has three studio albums including a 2008 release titled, "Love is Back," 3007's "Toby Love Reloaded" and Toby Love released in 2006.


For questions, comments or suggestions, let us know by clicking here.

Deliciously strange fried foods, games, rides and concerts can be found at the OC Fair until August 9th. Every year, thousands of families flock to the OC Fairgrounds for a day of entertainment and sinfully good greasy foods.

The OC Fair is best known for its gigantic portions of oversized turkey legs, mile long hotdogs, huge pretzels, barbecue ribs, triple-stacked burgers, and most importantly, fried foods. If you can name it, the food stands at the OC Fair will fry it. For those looking to gain weight like me, the OC Fair is the perfect place to do just that. Offering fried Twinkies, Oreos, avocados, frog legs and fried ice cream, the hard part is deciding what to eat next.

Honestly, no matter where you turn, you’re bound to be enticed by either grilled corn on the cob, Mexican food, Greek Cuisine and desserts such as apple fries, funnel cakes, sundaes and sweet beverages like ice cold lemonade. If you’re on a diet, prepare to be tested and tempted. This is not the place you want to be if you’re a health conscious, gym rat.

With that said, I highly recommend the chocolate covered bacon. This is by far the most interesting combination of flavors I’ve ever had. I’d describe the taste similar to a dark chocolate covered pretzel with an extremely salty aftertaste. I'm not sure what makes this treat so unique. Maybe it’s the bitter chocolate that melts in your mouth or the crunchy bacon flavor that lingers long after the chocolate has melted. Either way, it’s strangely delicious.


Did I mention the hot dogs are huge?


Besides food, the fair offers typical carnival rides such as twirl rides, roller coasters a Ferris wheel, slides and pony rides. This year, attendees had a chance to take a 3-D journey through the human brain with “Weird Al” Yankovich. The lines for this exhibit were way too long so I decided to check out the music acts nearby. I was able to catch a rap group called, Brothers Next Door, who performed catchy songs which attracted quite a huge crowd around the Main Stage. There was so much to see, so I checked out events I normally would not be interested in. To my surprise, it was fun.

I was able to watch the "Orange Crush" Demolition Derby on Saturday. To read the review, click here.

Believe it or not, one of my favorite areas of the fair would be the petting zoo. Near the blue gate entrance, a livestock barn consisted of cute animals including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas and their babies. A bit of guilt was evident as fair goers made bacon and sausage jokes in front of the pig pen. For a quick second, I considered going vegetarian.



Make sure you check out the OC Fair before it ends on August 9th. Doors open at noon and close at midnight.

OC Fair
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1543

Tickets prices are as follows:
Single-Day Admission: Adults $10, Seniors (60+) $7, Children (6-12) $5, and Children 5 & under admitted free every day.
Parking: General $5, Preferred $10.

























All photos taken by Steven Buena. For more images, please visit www.stevenbuena.com.

The OC Fair hosted the 9th annual "Orange Crush" Demolition Derby, where 14 cars violently smashed into each other until only one remained standing. From classic muscle cars to old station wagons, the dirt track was a battlefield as cars crunched and crashed into each other on purpose.

After the National Anthem, all cars drove out to the track for the "Best Appearing Car" contest. Vehicles that stood out included car 6 containing a bull on its hood, car 59 painted bright green and flame adorned car 3, to name a few. Taking the win was a metal-head white car scribbled with "Pantera" and "Slayer" band names.


After the appearance contest, hundreds of fans, some on bleachers under the blazing sun, waited in anticipation for the Demolition Derby to begin. During the slight delay, impatient beer guzzling fans screamed for the show to begin.

The rules of the derby were simple. Drivers had to hit another vehicle every two minutes otherwise they'd be disqualified. Additionally, crashing into a driver's door was prohibited. As a safety measure, a yellow flag was placed on top of each car and if the driver's vehicle was disabled, the flag was to be taken down. If the car was on fire, the driver had to wave the flag and a blow horn would go off signaling fire fighters to put out any flames.

Finally, the show was underway and 14 cars lined up on the track divided in two rows. Once drivers were given the go ahead, they sped into each other repeatedly in an effort to immobilize rival vehicles.

Engines roared loudly as cars crunched into each other in reverse. Some drivers crashed so hard that station wagons ended up looking like compact cars and through all the excitement, cars 11 and 3 caught fire.

The potent smell of car fumes intensified as time went on and when cars lost their tires and bumpers, the crowd cheered in excitement. As vehicles became more mangled, the louder the audience grew. The show continued until all but one vehicle was deemed inoperable.

A number of derby drivers reveling in the event included quadriplegic Ryan Nichols driving car 3 and 18-year-old female driver Christine Thiebert in car 14. Thiebert was the only female driver to compete in the "Orange Crush" Derby and joining her on the track was her father, Bill Thiebert in car 48.

After an hour of full-throttle wreckage, the lucky $2,200 grand prize went to Joe Myers, a Napoleon, Ohio native. Myers first took interest in the sport in 1985 when he was 17-years-old. Meyers said he hid his first Demolition Derby car from his mom and today, she's his biggest fan. The 90-time winner has competed in 10 states and parts of Canada using his favorite vehicle, the '76 Chevy wagon, pictured below (car 20).


When asked what inspired him to join the Demolition Derby sport, Myers said, "In Ohio, derby is the biggest event. We'd have 100 cars per night after the rodeos and they'd call us the 'Steel Cowboys.'"

Although Demolition Derby is entertaining to watch, Meyers explained that it is a dying sport. "The sport has changed a lot. We now spend $500 to $1,000 on a car and the cars we use are becoming extinct. It's becoming an expensive hobby, but I do it for fun."

For those looking to join in on Demolition Derby fun, Meyers warns, "The sport is exhilarating and fun, but unfortunately, it's costly."

All photos are courtesy of Steven Buena. For more photos, please visit http://www.stevenbuena.com

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Make sure you check out the OC Fair before it ends on August 9th. Doors open at noon and close at midnight.

OC Fair
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1543

Tickets prices are as follows:
Single-Day Admission: Adults $10, Seniors (60+) $7, Children (6-12) $5, and Children 5 & under admitted free every day.
Parking: General $5, Preferred $10.

Find out when the Star Wars Tour is in your area!

Oct 1 - Anaheim - Honda Center
Oct 2 - Anaheim - Honda Center
Oct 4 - Phoenix – Jobing.com Arena
Oct 7 - Los Angeles - Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
Oct 8 - Los Angeles - Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
Oct 9 - Sacramento - Arco Arena
Oct 10 - Sacramento - Arco Arena
Oct 11 - San Jose - HP Pavilion
Oct 13 - Seattle - Key Arena
Oct 14 - Portland - Rose Garden Arena
Oct 20 - Tulsa - BOK Center
Oct 21 - Oklahoma City - Ford Center

Additional cities to be announced.

For more information, please visit www.StarWarsInConcert.com.

Star Wars fanatics will be ecstatic about the Star Wars in concert tour beginning October 1st. The multi-media event will feature a live orchestra, choir and narration along with exhibits, featuring costumes, props and production artwork. Tickets start selling in August.

A live narration will be given by Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO in all films. Fans will get to enjoy the saga in a whole new light. Specially edited footage from the films will be shown on three-story-tall HD screens accompanied by live music and film elements. It's said that the Star Wars costumes, artifacts, props and other archives are leaving the Skywalker Ranch for the very first time.



Star Wars' fans don't need to be reminded that the first film in the franchise debuted on May 25th, 1977 and has grown to be a worldwide pop culture craze with six films including two sequels, prequel trilogies and in 2008, with the release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

"We've taken the key themes from the music and cut together all the images that fit with each theme, so you can really get a sense of how the music played into the images," said George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars Saga. "The whole soundtrack is a testament to John Williams' creativity and his extraordinary ability to enhance the emotional aspects of the films."

"Creating the music for the Star Wars films has been an exciting and wonderful experience for me, and I therefore have derived particular pleasure in assembling a compendium of themes from all of the films to be presented in Star Wars in Concert," said Williams. "The editors at Lucasfilm have created original film montages to accompany each of the musical selections, and in the process, I believe that a singular and unique Star Wars experience has been born."

"This event has been crafted to present Star Wars from many points of view; for the first time, the full dramatic sweep of Williams' iconic scores can be heard performed live in one evening," said Another Planet Touring Producer Spencer Churchill. "The show is a new way of experiencing the epic scope of the saga."

Concert goers can expect to see a number of never-before-seen items at the exhibit, including, full costumes for Jedi masters Kit Fisto and Plo Koon, pages from John Williams' hand-written sheet music for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and film props like blasters and helmets from Coruscant, Tattooine and other Star Wars locations.

If you're a Star Wars fanatic, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Find out when they play your town and check out Star Wars tour dates.

Round 4 of the Formula DRIFT competition took place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on July 10th - 11th. Located minutes away from the Vegas strip, the speedway played host to NASCAR, IndyCar and is known as the "Diamond in the Desert."

Driving in scorching 100+ degree heat, winners of the competition included:

First Place winner Tanner Foust

Second Place winner Ryuji Miki

Third Place Chris Forsberg

These photos were brought to you courtesy of Steven Buena. To see more Formula DRIFT photos, visit www.stevenbuena.com

In today's economy, it seems like everyone's keeping an eye on their budgets as layoffs sweep across thousands of jobs. Let's face it, the national unemployment rate in the United States is at 9.7 percent and rising. Luckily, when it comes to saving money, fashionistas will be glad to know that being broke doesn't have to mean - looking broke.

In a recession, cotton apparel is ideal since it's both durable and cost efficient. Cotton lasts all year and is always in style. Even I have cotton shirts that go as far back as six years ago. Pack rat, I am not! Besides, when the weather cools down, summer cotton outfits can be layered in the fall. (If you're worried about looking out of date, don't worry. Layering clothing is a fall trend, so there's no need to get rid of your newly purchased summer ensembles.)

Word from the wise: A few wallet-friendly items include zippered hoodies, leggings and denim jackets, says Linda DeFranco, Director, Product Trend Analysis, Cotton Incorporated.

Other options include typical long sleeved cotton shirts, khakis and layers. If you want to stay "trendy" for fall, Cotton Incorporated suggests buying clothing that contains, "mineral shades punctuated with loud pinks and warm oranges," or "jewel tones grounded by earthy grays." Another popular fall trend is "mustard yellow" as it adds a pop of color to any outfit.

Guys are covered too. It seems that the back-to-school trend forecast for males include hoodies, gray denim or fitted silhouettes and charcoal rubbed stripes on woven shirts.

So by now you're probably asking yourself, "Where should the budget conscious shop?" We've gathered a few helpful tips to help you get the best bang for your buck.

• Thrift Stores: If you don't mind second hand items, thrift stores are a great place to find pre-owned clothing at extremely low prices. Check out stores like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, which sell clothing, furniture, electronics and more. For higher end, second-hand clothing Buffalo Exchange will be your best bet.

• Garage Sales: You'll find garage sales to be prominent on weekends, especially in residential neighborhoods. You'll typically find signs advertising garage sales with an address listed on the bright sign posted on stop signs, light posts and trees. Garage sales are great and can offer you a great deal of second hand items similar to thrift stores. Every garage sale is different. It's always good to bring cash in case you want to purchase anything.

• Sample Sales: If thrift stores and second hand items gross you out, then check out sample sales. If you want to find the latest styles at cheap prices, then head to sample sales where up and coming designers sell excess merchandise at a steal. Sample sales offer T-shirts, jeans, hats, purses, accessories, dresses along with clothing and accessories for males. Buyer beware, sometimes, clothing might have small - barely there defects, or the designer printed T-shirts with the wrong color ink. These defects are typically unnoticeable. Some sample sales can get messy with clothes hanging out of boxes, bins of accessories and then some. If chaos is not your thing, then it's a good idea to join sample sale websites where you get to shop in the comforts of your own home (or office).

The next time you decide to buy clothes, remember that there are budget-friendly, stylish ways to get your gear.

For questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to let us know.

Donna Karan Unveils iPhone App

Seems like everyone is coming out with a new iPhone application these days with the latest release from Donna Karan. Yes, the fashion icon is unveiling an iPhone app that will offer shoppers a way to create wish lists with the option to forward to a personal shopper. Users will also get to see a video called "System of Dressing," where Karan discusses the how-tos of maximizing the flexibility of clothes.

"With me, it's never just about the clothes. It's about a lifestyle and commonality that I share with my consumer. This iPhone application is the modern evolution of the time I spend with my customers in the dressing room. Only now I can reach a world of women immediately, speaking woman to woman about clothes, objects of desire and personal passions. There is nothing faster, more mobile or more advanced in communication today."- Donna Karan

Besides the wish list and video feature, fashionistas will be able to read fresh content from Karan's regularly updated sections, including the "Love Love Love" section where Karan chooses two must-haves to spotlight, which can include a piece of clothing, accessory or even her favorite book.

Karan's "People Who Inspire" section will highlight someone who has been an inspiration in Karan's life.

Additionally, the "Ask Donna" section will provide a place for Karan to answer questions from clients and fans.

The "DK Talk," section is a place for Karan to interview someone she knows or admires. Iman is said to be the latest interviewed and the "DK Travel," a section for Karan to post pictures and captions from her most recent travels. Africa recaps are said to be the most recent in this section.

Partnering with Atimi Software, the fashion app developed as a natural progression as Karan first helped women in dressing rooms dress more confidently and as her company expanded, Karan's advice was distributed through mailing lists.

"The design method applied to the iPhone application was to truly allow Donna Karan to connect with her clients in as personal a way as possible," said Scott Michaels, Atimi Vice President, developers of the iPhone application. "Every aspect was held up to the light to ensure it met the design objectives and had the level of polish and quality that is inherent in the Donna Karan brand."

The Donna Karan fashion app is free and can be downloaded at the Apple.com site.




Just in time for summer: Unified People trucker hats

With the summer heat in full effect, it's important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and what better way to shade your face and look stylish than with hats. Celebrities have been spotted around Los Angeles, CA wearing a new hat line called Unified People, which contains both leather and fur designs. The hats range in prices between $65 - $129 and styles are available for both males and females.

A few of the celebrities sporting the line include Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, Macy Gray, among others.





To see more detailed photos of the hats, or for more information please visit: Unified People.com

It's been eight years since Limp Bizkit has been on the scene and guess what, the band is making a come back by playing a free Vegas show July 18th at the Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms Casino Resort.

You die hard Limp Bizkit fans might try to get their early since the show is first come, first serve. Fans that actually make it to see the band will get a free (rare) Limp Bizkit t-shirt. These shirts are only distributed at this gig.

So, who's opening up for Limp Bizkit? Fred Durst's long time homie, DJ Boney B, is slated to open up for the band. Check out his Myspage page for more info: http://www.myspace.com/boneyb1984

The band has spent 2009 in Europe for their "Unicorns N Rainbows" tour, playing in 20 countries.



For more on Limp Bizkit, please visit their official website at www.limpbizkit.com.

Seems like everyone is on Twitter. Follow Fred Durst: http://twitter.com/freddurst

While you're at it, follow Disarray Magazine on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/disarraymag.

Lady Gaga snags three #1 songs from her debut album

With her risque music videos, crazy outfits and catchy electro-pop lyrics, Lady Gaga has made Top 40 radio history by snagging three #1 songs from her debut album, The Fame. In the history of the Billboard's Top 40 chart, only two others hold this title including Ace of Base and Avril Lavigne.




Lady Gaga's third single titled, "Love Game" made it to #1 along with previous singles, "Poker Face" and "Just Dance."

So what makes Lady Gaga (real name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta), so fierce? I don't know, probably the fact that her singles have reached #1 in 15 countries and her album sold over three million copies around the globe. Oh and let's not forget that she's not afraid to sing, "Let's have some fun, this beat is sick/I wanna take a ride on your DISCO STICK."



Surprisingly, Christina Aguilera has been accused of stealing Lady Gaga's signature look. In response, Aguilera told the LA Times:

"You know, that’s funny that you mention that. This person [Lady Gaga] was just brought to my attention not too long ago. I’m not quite sure who this person is, to be honest. I don’t know if it is a man or a woman. I just wasn’t sure. I really don’t spend any time on the Internet, so I guess I live a little under a rock in that respect."

You might remember Lady Gaga's first single which has been known as the dance floor theme song, "Just Dance." The song beckoned drunk girls to run to the dance floor at any given club. (Girls, you know who you are).

If you want to catch Lady Gaga on tour, check her out this fall as she shares the stage with Kanye West.

Long Beach set the stage for the Formula DRIFT Racing competition held April '09. For those of you who missed it, here's a sneak peak at what went on at the event.

Photos courtesy of Steven Buena - visit http://www.stevenbuena.com for more.







For more images, please visit http://www.stevenbuena.com/events.html

RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: KAZOKU SUSHI

Kazoku Sushi 5259 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027

I recently moved to Hollywood and luckily, I moved across the street from this delicious sushi haven. While walking my dog, I noticed a bright sign promoting Kozuku Sushi's daily Happy Hour and thought to myself, "Why not check out what this place has to offer?" So, I decided to check out this eatery with my boyfriend. Located next to the Thailand Plaza, this restaurant is surrounded by countless tasty Thai restaurants including Thai Patio. Inside, the restaurant offers a huge plasma television, attentive waiters and deliciously creative sushi rolls. While the eatery is not huge, the food makes up for it.

Notable rolls include the Rock N' Roll sushi platter consisting of baked scallop, avocado with mayo for $6.95. Another tasty treat is the Red Dragon sushi roll for $9.95, which consists of tuna laid upon a roll filled with shrimp termpura and asparagus, topped with scallion and drilled with spicy ponzu sauce.

While the special rolls range between $9 to $13, the restaurant also serves inexpensive but equally delicious rolls including classic favorites such as the California Roll for $4.95, Spicy Tuna Roll for $4.95, and Salmon and Avocado Roll for $4.95.


The Santa Monica Roll is a tangy delight consisting of salmon laid upon a roll filled with shrimp, crab and asparagus; topped with smelt egg, cream cheese and scallion; served with lemon and ponzu sauce all for $11.90.

All I have to say is, this restaurant is clean, hip and offers fresh dishes. If you're lucky enough to live within a three mile radius of this restaurant, enjoy free delivery with a minimum purchase of $15. If you're like me, you crave food from this restaurant on a weekly basis and order-in while enjoying a nice bottle of wine to unwind from a hectic week.

Pros: Delicious, Valet Parking and Freshly made sushi

Cons: Certain dishes can be pricey but it's definitely worth it if you're looking to splurge.

Definitely give this place a try. You'll get hooked, like me.

For questions or ideas, contact: Christybuena@yahoo.com.
For more info: Visit www.kazokusushi.com
Kazoku Sushi
5259 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 817-1002

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TASTY MEXICAN TREATS ON THE CHEAP

Despite the fact that stocks are plunging and gas prices keep rising, we can be glad that there is no shortage of deliciously cheap eats around Los Angeles. Just because we're feeling the economic recession pinch in our wallets, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the tasty dishes we’ve grown to love. If you're looking for Mexican eateries on the cheap, these restaurants will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

For tasty tacos and authentic burritos, stop by the 24-hour no-frills eatery, Lucy’s on La Brea and Pico Blvd. Don’t be fooled by the run down yellow-painted exterior, the food inside consists of large portions, flavorful options and prices that are easy on your wallet. Try the Machaca burrito for under $5 and opt for freshly squeezed orange juice.



Another notable Mexican restaurant would be Chabelita on Western and the 10 freeway. If you’re looking for fat tacos, hearty taquitos and spicy ceviche, this 24-hour restaurant is definitely worth a try. Their menu items are also less than $5.

If Mexican food is not your cup of tea, then you’ll have to tune in for the next feature on where to go for inexpensive sushi spots.

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CHEAP EATS: CHICKEN AND FRIES FOR UNDER $5

Known for their chicken and fries, Dino’s is a no-frills, hole in the wall located on 2575 W. Pico Blvd in South Los Angeles. Guests not only flock to the food stand for burritos, hamburgers and tacos, but for the large portions.

Don’t let the picnic tables scare you. What the restaurant lacks in appearance and ambience is redeemed by its hearty food, cheap prices and quick turnaround time. I highly suggest ordering half a chicken, fries, cole slaw and corn tortillas for $5. Make sure to opt for their deliciously spicy salsa, which complements the chicken and fries. Additionally, you can't go wrong with ordering a medium sized Orange Bang.

While the restaurant may not be located in the safest of spots, the eatery is certainly a bustling location. However, beware of a few gangstas reminiscent of thug life music videos and homeless individuals who come up to you while you’re dining. Fear not, just try to remember that the delicious food brings all sorts of individuals together for the common goal: Dino's delicious chicken and fries!

The food here is definitely worth trying and did I mention that they offer hearty breakfast platters for dirt cheap prices? Parking is limited at this eatery so you may need to park on the street. Bring a friend with you before you go.

Heads up: Outdoor seating is available on picnic tables and the restaurant is less crowded on weekdays.


For more info: Visit Dino's Chicken and Burgers
Neighborhood: South Los Angeles
2575 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 380-3554

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GET YOUR GRUB ON AT ZANKOU CHICKEN

Combine good, quick and cheap Mediterranean food and you've got Zankou Chicken. With six locations in the Los Angeles area, the fast food eatery offers deliciously roasted chicken, falafel, shawarma and hummus, to name a few.

Oh, how I remember the days when the Hollywood Zankou eatery was crampt with a maximum capacity of 25. The smell of roasting chicken, filled the small eatery as long lines made it out the door. Of course, this was almost 10 years ago.

Since then, the Hollywood restaurant has expanded and has now doubled in size. Thankfully, the same flavors still remain throughout the years and now, more people are able to taste the goodness that is known as Zankou Chicken.

My all time favorite is the 1/4 chicken plate for just about $6.00. The plate comes with hummus, diced tomatoes, pickles, pita bread and a slow roasted juicy rotisserie chicken. Order a side of tabbouleh and don't forget their famous garlic sauce! It's a must! (I can eat this garlic paste by itself!)

FYI, many have tried to concoct their own versions of Zankou's garlic sauce: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/60530

Nevertheless, I've noticed that no matter what time of day, there's always a line of hungry Zankou enthusiasts waiting to appease their appetites. Trust me, their food is worth the wait and you get portions enough to keep you full for a long while.

Heads up: I typically go to the Hollywood restaurant located on 5065 W. Sunset Blvd. at Normandie. Parking in the lot can get crowded so, opt for street parking if you must.

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WOW BENTO & ROLL: CHEAP SUSHI NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

If you're sick of eating expensive sushi that doesn't get you full, then head over to Wow Bento & Roll. Think budget prices, large portions and an assortment of rolls, salads and sides. Despite being located in the Glendale Galleria, the eatery is also located in Downtown L.A. and La Crescenta.

I ordered the spicy tempura tuna roll (Combo #2) for $6, which consisted of teriyaki chicken, tangy zucchini salad and huge chunks of sushi. Surprisingly, two combos came out to less than $20!

Unfortunately, the California rolls that accompanied (Combo #1), contained less rice than the tuna rolls but, for the price of $5, who can complain? More filling is better anyway, right? Fortunately, the tempura vegetables and green salad made up for it.

Beware, the ambiance is not like your typical sushi haven where nice decor, dim lighting and bamboo fill the interior. You will not hear soothing Japanese music and you will not have a waiter or waitress bring your food out. Don't expect a Sake with your meal either. Then again, I'd trade flavor and price over ambiance any day.

Do expect a quick turnaround time, inexpensive sushi rolls, Japanese favorites and a few extra bucks in your wallet. Wow Bento & Roll is a definite try.

Check out Wow Bento & Roll at these locations:

Glendale

1142 Glendale Galleria

Glendale, CA 91210

(818) 240-0703

La Crescenta

3231 Foothill Blvd #201

La Crescenta, CA 91214

(818) 957-3636

Los Angeles

710 S Hill Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014

(213) 489-3636

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GREAT FOR GROUPS: ROSALIND'S ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

Every now and then, I crave Ethiopian cuisine so, I call my two brothers, Sean and Steven, and we head to our favorite little spot on Fairfax Ave. called Rosalinds Ethiopian Restaurant. This restaurant and bar offers combination plates, fresh injera (bread), tasty meat and vegetable dishes that you can easily share with a large group of people for a little over $20.

The best part of eating at this restaurant is the fact that minutes after stepping into the restaurant, you feel like you've been transported across the sea as you're surrounded by huts and cute tables and chairs, not to mention you get to eat with your hands and enjoy large portions at an affordable price. On sunny days, ask to be seated on the patio.

I highly recommend ordering a huge plate with the Vegetarian combination consisting of "A combination of three items from the following items: "Vegetable Alicha", "Collard Greens", "Lentils", "Split-peas Alicha." A great addition would be "Yebeg Siga Alicha," which is a mild lamb stew, delicately spiced with garlic, ginger and other spices and is served with injera. If you want to go all out, order the "Yedoro Wot," which is a tasty spicy chicken stew in red pepper sauce with an assortment of spices.

Don't just take my word for it, gather your friends and enjoy the Ethiopian decor, music and have some African beer!

Heads up: There's metered street parking.

BTW, the injera bread takes some getting used to. Expect a slightly sour pancake.


For more info: Visit www.rosalindsrestaurant.com/index.html
Rosalind's Ethiopian Restaurant - (323) 936-2486 - 1044 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019


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DRINK UP AT EL GUAPO MEXICAN CANTINA

If you're looking for a new happy hour spot, check out El Guapo Cantina at 7250 Melrose Ave. (3 blocks west of La Brea) in Hollywood, CA 90046. Featuring more than 40 TV screens, sports fanatics can watch a variety of games at the same time. El Guapo prides itself for its 42", 50" and 63" Hi-Def Tv's, so you can see every game from any seat all at once.

While at the bustling Cantina, enjoy starters, soups and salads, sandwiches and wraps, as well as burgers. El Guapo also offers budget-friendly party platters, "Hollywood Martinis," frozen cocktails, margaritas, "Fun Shots," and specialty drinks. The health conscious can opt for food from El Guapo's"Low Carb Section," which features, "Lettuce Cup Tacos" consisting of one chicken, one steak and one shrimp wrapped in a lettuce cup with shredded cheese and Pico de Gallo for $8.95.

Did you know: El Guapo was the first bar in Los Angeles to have and play Beer Pong? If you're in the area on any given Tuesday, step inside and enjoy $1 tacos, $2 shots and 50% off beer pitchers!

I love the fact that this bar offers a large patio with heaters, two separate bars and a diverse crowd. Despite its Hollywood location, you will not get a pretentious crowd, snobby bouncers and overly priced drinks. Every time my friends and I have stopped by El Guapo, we've always had a fun time and the Beer Pong competitions alone, make it worth the visit!


Pros: There's valet parking for $5, two bars, a large patio and Karaoke!


For more info: visit www.elguapocantina.com

7250 Melrose Ave # 1
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 297-0471