Author Archives: jessicakoslow

May 12 2025
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Lifestyle

Beauty and The Buttes: A splashing good time without leaving the property

Although the hotel was built in 1986 and has been hosting travelers for decades, now is the time to visit Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. At the end of last year, the property completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its guestrooms and suites, fitness center and the outdoor dining area of the lobby bar, charging into 2025 with a whole new vibe to greet its guests.

Modern amenities and upgrades aside, the most stunning attribute of The Buttes, as it is affectionately known, is its location: It is built into the Tempe Butte, which locals refer to as “A Mountain” due to the 60-foot-tall gold-painted letter A near its summit.

At check-in, travelers are treated to 180-degree views of expansive blue skies and color-streaked sunsets from Downtown Phoenix to the Superstition Mountains in the East Valley. . . .

Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.

May 07 2025
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Dance

“N. Ormes” Is Bare Bones and Brilliant

Most every single thing about Thursday night’s performance of N. Ormes by Agathe Bisserier and Adrien Malette-Chénier at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz was magical. From the concession stand items being baguette sandwiches (brie & apple or ham & cheese) and glasses of champagne to the French accents of every person affiliated with the theater, the entire night was stamped with an exhilarating je ne sais quoi.

 Photo courtesy of TRK

Patrons were immersed in Frenchness; according to it site, Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz “is the only year-round theater in L.A. devoted almost exclusively to French language cultures.” This particular show was supported by The Quebec Government Office in L.A., which is fantastic, because N. Ormes deserves to be seen worldwide and, judging by a Google search, it has toured extensively throughout the U.S. thanks to government funding. Next stops are the San Francisco International Arts Festival on May 8, Danville, Kentucky, on May 12, and FringeArts in Philadelphia on May 23 & 24.

The show opens with Agathe and Adrien standing and swaying center stage, lit by a spotlight. The show also ends with the two figures in the same formation. It is the hour in between that leaves viewers completely flabbergasted as to what the human body is capable of. For 60 minutes, the duo showcases their tremendous strength, jaw-dropping agility, and emotional depth as they explore gender norms. Not only are Agathe and Adrien both incredible acrobats, but their emotive facial expressions and tender movements make this a theatrical joy to boot. . . .

Read the entire article at LA Dance Chronicle.

May 02 2025
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Dance

Darren King, aka Outrage, Talks Krump, Crutches, and His Future as a Creative Director

The first time I saw Outrage dance, my heart stopped—in a good way. The way he demonstrated total control of his body and expressed his emotions through movement was beautiful. His chest popped, legs stomped, and arms flung out wide with precision and grace. His light hops made him appear weightless. I was already a super fan of krump, and Outrage was phenomenal. It is not surprising that Daddy Yankee, Usher, and Mary J. Blige have since tapped him to join them on stage.

On May 25, 2025 Versa-Style will be presenting its Street Dance Theater Showcase at Mihran K. Studios Burbank as part of its four-day 20th Anniversary Hip-Hop Dance Festival. One of Versa-Style’s co-artistic directors, Jackie Lopez aka Miss Funk, asked Outrage to perform alongside a lineup of high-profile choreographers.

“I have known them for a long time,” said Outrage, whose name is often shortened to Rage. “I have either battled cats, or we have worked together. It is a community thing.” . . .

Read the entire article at LA Dance Chronicle.

Apr 17 2025
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Food

Taste of Saijo: Hand rolls, grilled skewers and Hatsuzumi Nori

In Japan, “kaizen” is the practice of continuous improvement. 

Photo by: Saijo/JINYA Holdings

Tomo Takahashi learned this principle while growing up in his family’s restaurant, and he brings it to guests at his new establishment, Saijo. 

Takahashi considers kaizen to be the foundation of hospitality.  

“One of the biggest lessons I have learned being in the restaurant business for 25 years is that it is important to constantly be improving,” Takahashi said. 

“Whether in food quality, service or branding, maintaining a high standard is what keeps customers coming back. This has been our core principle since the founding of our company. We always ask ourselves how we can bring more joy to our guests. Instead of settling for ‘this is good enough,’ we strive for ‘this is the best.’” . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

Apr 14 2025
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Food

Firstborn Opens in Chinatown: Chef Anthony Wang wants to change our perception of Chinese American food

American-born Anthony Wang, who opened his first restaurant, Firstborn, inside the Mandarin Plaza in Chinatown on March 28, credits his older sister, Lulu, for his career as a chef. He would not be cooking today if it were not for her support and encouragement.

Photo by: Ron De Angelis

Wang studied classical piano as a kid, and he was really good, often placing at the top in state competitions. But when he turned 18, he stopped loving his instrument. His sister sat him down for a chat.

“It is obvious that you like cooking,” she told him. “Why don’t you try to pursue it?” . . .

Read the full article at LA Downtown News.

Apr 10 2025
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Film

Eat, Date, Duck: Unexpected guest brings drama to dinner in ‘The Italians’

Michelle Danner knows that her film, “The Italians,” resonates with everyone. The actor, producer, and director recently completed a festival circuit, including the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival, Cinequest in San Jose, the Big Apple Film Festival, and several festivals in Europe and Italy, showcasing the film to packed audiences.

Photo by: Chris Mortenson

“People came up to me after the screening from all different nationalities, and they said, ‘I know this is an Italian family, but it could have been my family,’” Danner said. “There is something universal about it.”

The story, written by Lisa Visca, revolves around the Italian-American Vitali family, focusing on the fiery matriarch Angelina, portrayed by Danner. This role was all-too-familiar for Danner; it fit her like a glove.
. . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

Apr 10 2025
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Lifestyle

‘A Gathering of Voices’: Author GW Williams shares stories of resilience

About 30 years ago, GW Williams started a book club, and shortly thereafter, actress and author Denise Nicholas joined the group. 

Photo by: Chris Mortenson

Years later — in the spring of 2018 — Nicholas called Williams to share that one seat remained for the writing workshop.

Williams declined because she wanted the seat. The Longwood Writers Workshop was named after Nicholas’ street, where the group assembled around her dining room table. . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

Apr 10 2025
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Lifestyle

Seaside Community Celebrates 60: Marina del Rey hosts a month-long birthday party

It seems unbelievable that Marina del Rey is only 60 years old, considering the land was a salt marsh for centuries. However, on April 10, 1965, after funds were raised and laws signed, Marina del Rey was completed. This month, the Marina del Rey Tourism Board and its partners are planning a birthday celebration, featuring restaurant and activity specials with a community event in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Harbors, the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and Fisherman’s Village. 

Photo by: Chris Mortenson

“Over the past 60 years, Marina del Rey has transformed into a vibrant destination for tourism,” said Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Tourism Board. “Significant investments from local hotels and restaurants have breathed new life into the area, making it a strong competitor to nearby destinations such as Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.” 

According to a 2024 tourism study, Marina del Rey attracted more than half a million overnight visitors, supported over 4,100 jobs and generated $617 million in total economic impact. Visitor spending reached $396 million. . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

Apr 07 2025
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Theater

‘The Last Play by Rickérby Hinds’: The autobiographical piece holds significance for the playwright

When the Latino Theater Company chose Rickérby Hinds as one of its 10 playwrights commissioned to write works on Latinidad, or its Circle of Imaginistas, the professor of theater, film and digital production at UC Riverside was stuck. He started one play, then stopped. He started another, but the words did not flow.

Photo by: Chris Mortenson

“One day it just hit me,” Hinds explained. “What if I wrote a play about trying to write a play, which is something I vowed I would never do: writing about writing.”

What he did write, “The Last Play by Rickérby Hinds,” opens on Saturday, April 26, at The Los Angeles Theatre Center and runs through Sunday, May 25, with six previews from Thursday, April 17, through Friday, April 25. . . .

Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.

Apr 03 2025
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Food

A Heap of Heaven: New York City’s Levain Bakery opens on Abbot Kinney

Levain Bakery owners Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald began baking at their first shop on 74th Street in New York City in 1995. The friends and running mates aimed to create a great place to work, be part of a community, and bake and share delicious breads and pastries. They had no expectations beyond the original 74th Street location.

Now, Weekes and McDonald have hit their stride with the opening of the Venice shop on Friday, April 4. They plan to stay in it for the long haul.

The latest Levain location takes over where Lemonade served delicious and healthful salads since 2009. Levain is upping the ante. The scent of bakeries wafting from the doors at the corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice boulevards will be a welcome addition to the popular shopping street.  . . .

Read the full article at The Argonaut.

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