Can Dudes Like Sangria?

Sangria is a fickle beast. Fruity, sugary, pinky, the Spanish wine punch screams double X-chromosome. BUT, does it have to be? Is it possible guys can comfortably drink sangria and be able to tell their buddies about it? I say yes, if you go to Luna Park.

Here's why:

- Served in manly-sized BOWLS.

- The main ingredient is Burgundy wine ... a French wine and... the French are dicks and... guys have dicks. It comes full circle.

- Contains puting-hair-on-your-chest brandy.

- The only fruit is orange juice - nothing emasculating about that.

- Their sangria is freaking delicious.

So, there you have it. Bring on the pink stuff.

Luna Park

672 S. La Brea Avenue; 310-934-2110

I Heart Pies Is Popping Up Again

Once again they will be offering both sweet and savory pies. And remember the math equation you learned in Algebra II:

Pie + Beer = Awesome.

Goodbye, Beautiful Beacon Burger - A Love Haiku

Preface: With the unfortunate news coming this week that Culver City's beloved Beacon would be permanently shutting their doors, I knew I had to go one last time. To say goodbye to a wonderful restaurant and, in doing so, bid adieu to one of the best burgers in Los Angeles. A burger I have fought for. A burger I love.

Yesterday we said our farewells and I find it only fitting if I lay this 1/2 pound masterpiece of meat -- perfectly topped with thick slabs of Nueske bacon, Gruyere and a sweet soy glaze -- to rest in the form of a haiku...

Goodbye, Beautiful Beacon Burger

Cloaked in Ciabatta

The belle of the burger ball;

Your brawn will go on.

Training for the 2011 LA Cupcake Challenge Has Begun...

The first step of my grueling 2011 LA Cupcake Challenge judging regimen has begun: no desserts the month prior. Today is Day 1. I am already feeling weak. Wish me luck.

*Note: There are no other steps in said regimen.

2011 LA Cupcake Challenge Set for February 5th

Today comes news that this year's LA Cupcake Challenge has been officially scheduled for February 5th, 2011 from 4-7 pm at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. The $40 ticket gets you samples of all 40 cupcakes in competition (20 LA and OC bakeries each bake a "traditional" cake and a "non-traditional" cake). A slew of new competitors join the event this year headlined by "Top Chef: Just Desserts" finalist Danielle Keene.

Not sure how I got so lucky, but this year they made me an official judge of the competition. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I ate all 40 cupcakes last year in under an hour.

Purchase tickets here.

Best Burrito in SoCal

Blackened Chicken Burrito at Taco Mesa in Mission Viejo.