I'll be back...

I spent a rainy Wednesday in Hollywood integrating back into the world of travel and tourism and it felt great. It'd been a while since I last attended an industry function where so many people from my past welcomed me back into the industry and honestly, it was humbling. Contacts from all over from theme parks, hotels and destinations to state tourism reps and international PR agencies, it felt nice to be remembered and congratulated for my most recent foray into the biz. Now, I never uttered the words "I'll be back" like Ahnold, but in a way I always knew this is the line of work I'd be involved in.

Speaking of Ahnold, the day was capped off by a lavish reception and dinner at Hollywood & Highland, catered by Wolfgang Puck and littered with old photographs of the Governor, including a Madame Tussaud's wax figure of him as the 'Terminator.' Ahnold spoke to the audience live from DC where he was in hopes of raising more $$$ for California. He quipped with Wolfgang on-stage and we all stood in honor of what he's done for the tourism industry in the State. I made new friends, drank a lil wine and overall had a pretty neat day.

Nutty or Smooth?

I love making new discovery in "old" places. Tonight after my hot and heavy workout at the gym I went down to BodyFactory, my favorite smoothie joint at the Arclight complex off Sunset Boulevard. Instead of going straight for my "PB&J" or "PB&C" options (that'd be the peanut butter and jelly, and peanut butter and chocolate, respectively), I opted for something new, the "Mocha Nut Blast," espresso beans, low carb chocolate, peanut butter and banana. The best part of it all is the option you're given upon ordering, the clerk exclaiming, NUTTY OR SMOOTH? Uhm, it depends, I thought? I thought of my belly and how full of water I was so I opted for the smooth, saving my nutty for anutter day (ha!). It's a delicious concoction, not too sweet, and since the chocolate is low in carb, well it's practically gym-dessert. It's a must try, and practically a meal in itself for $5.50.

www.bodyfactory.com

Back in it.....

Today I made the drive to work from my new home in Hancock Park all the way to Newport Beach. For months and since my new role promoting this new destination I found myself conflicted about where to live and what life to lead. Needless to say Long Beach wasn't for me and lucky for me a good friend and his spare bedroom came to my rescue. I feel back in my element, loving where I live and where I work and well, the extra commute time is just one of those sacrifices one has got to make.

So today I'm back in it and in more ways than one. I plan to fire up my dossier as it's gonna be a great year full of travels, new experiences and well, things I like.

DG

For the love of Franz & Fashion

John Varvatos is by far my favorite American designer, so when I opened up the pages of GQ  recently and saw his Franz Ferdinand spread, well honestly, I let out a whimper (just a small one).

They're touting the Spring 2009 collection, and touting it well they are...

Dorchester is Pretty Dope

Just saw this ingenious campaign by Dorchester Collection.  A lot of hotels, especially LA ones tout celebrity connections and history, but talk about a visual connection.  This is where advertising may, just may be a better approach than PR.

Well advertising and PR, because isn't this exactly the kind of buzz that results?

Say Halow to Mei Lil Frien'

I quickly realized that a blogger is only as good as his camera, thus I equipped myself with this lil' number! Like? It's the Sony DSC 150, 8.1MP, 5x digital zoom (I think) and 1080p HD capability. So, from now on know that DG is only using the finest. Haha, well actually it was a great price at Best Buy.... Pick one up while supplies last!

Beverage of the "Dioses"

I may have unearthed one of the few reasons to pay a visit to the quasi-interesting, but definitely culinary-worthy town in the East Bay known as Oakland, CA. One Sunday I found myself roaming the Temescal Farmer's Market near Berkeley. Sure the enchanting sounds of drums at 8AM could have been sufficient a wake up call, but I was there for another reason. Blue Bottle Coffee Co., I am proud to say I stumbled upon it before they made GQ Magazine's January culinary issue.

For coffee lovers like moi, this is definitely the drink of gods. These guys take their coffee seriously, as one should. A selective bean selection, roasting and distribution process ensures an intense experience, every time. Turns out they offer a coffee subscription program, something that would make for a, ahem wonderful birthday gift for your's truly. Take a look for yourself - www.bluebottlecoffee.net


Unfortunately for me, my favorite blend, "Nayarita" a dark, but subtle coffee with hints of Mexican cinnamon is only brewed in-store. Who's up for a roadtrip?