Recap of Saturday

Called up Amy to see if she was up to go to Rootdown’s 5th Anniversary. Always heard positive things about Rootdown and wanted to finally check out one of their events. And I wanted to go especially since I heard Breakestra was performing and I’ve been hearing about them for awhile and that they’re great band to see live.

So we decided to catch dinner in LA. And being that I’ve made it my goal in life to try as many different, yummy restaurants, I wanted to try something new. Heck, if I’m driving my butt up the dreaded 405 in the rain, it better be worth it. So I did some searching off the LA Weekly and losangeles.citysearch.com.

I’ve wanted to try some tapas places here in LA, ever since I went to Helena's in NY with Steve, after we had just watched the Blue Man Group. Wanted to find something not too expensive, and Cobras & Matadors looked too expensive and it got mixed reviews, so I choose La Paella, a Spanish-Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s close to the Beverly Center, since I could only find glowing reviews and the price seem reasonable.

Click here for one of the reviews I found

Found FREE parking right in front of restaurant. WOO HOO! Though, had some trouble finding La Paella, since it’s not on the main street of San Vicente, but on a small street. You’ll see what I mean, if you ever go. It’s basically looks like this old house, which got converted into a restaurant. Really small and quaint. One of those places you would take your date. Though since both Amy and I are single, we can still enjoy things that are apparently only reserved for couples. DAMMIT! Down with the disempowering couple structure! ARRR (someone bitter?)

Anwayz, asked the host, if any seats would be available, and he said nothing would be until 9:30, mind you, we got there at around 8ish. Felt like kickin’ myself, for not making reservations, you would think I would learn from the Bic Runga experience. But noooooooooo. But the host said if we didn’t mind we could eat at the bar. Which we did, though Amy wanted to bounce, since she didn’t get a seat until later.

So we made the most of it. They served us some really yummy sourdough bread with garlic mayo. Mmmmmmmmmm. Ordered their vegetable paella and some tapas. A fried calamari, scallops and chicken croquette. They were okay, the NY restaurant had more selection. But their paella was excellent, IMHO much better than the one in NY. But both Amy and I were so full from the bread, we had to doggy bag the rest of it. Alas no dessert this time.

So we head down to downtown. As we were parking, I noticed in the next car, was DJ Shortkut chilling in his car, looking either bored or tired. For some reason, they hadn’t open the event and ppl were still waiting outside. Ran into Paul Dang, the brain behind Native Tongh zine in line.

When we finally got in, it was slow to start. But it got much better, when Breakestra went stage. And let me tell you. They’re freaking amazing. Wow! So talented. Some members would play for awhile, then take a break, and dance with the crowd and went back up. They threw a few free shirts in my direction, but alas there was always someone taller who got it. Bleah. Had a great time, nonetheless, and it looked like Amy did as well. It’s been awhile since I attended a venue with good music. Great, friendly crowd. Sick of tried of yuppie places with fake and plastic ppl and shitty music.