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Kassava: Fugees' Pras Helps Bring Caribbean Flavor to Beverly Hills

Sun, 17 Nov 2008 06:03:00 GMT

posted by ellenoir1
Menu selections in Beverly Hills just got a lot more "colorful" thanks to Kassava, a new Caribbean restaurant co-owned by The Fugees, Pras, and Hollywood producer, Jesse Levostre. Located just a couple of blocks south of the Beverly Center at 8600 3rd Street, Kassava, has already become a new celebrity hotspot for those that desire a taste of the islands--Jamaica, Trinidad, Guadalupe, Matinique, and Guyana to be exact.
Never one to resist a spicy sampling of jerk or curry chicken, sweet plantains, and flavorful black beans and rice, I and partner in crime, Dana Hanna, headed to the grand opening last week to get a taste of what Kassava had to offer. And what we got brought us back for more! Even celebs Heavy D, Tatyani Ali, and some new faces in Hollywood came out to experience the new relaxing "island oasis" in busy Beverly Hills . Roll tape!

LA City Beat Crowns Norwood Young, King of Hancock Park

Sun, 10 Nov 2008 01:45:00 GMT

posted by ellenoir1

It's amazing what can happen in one week. Last Sunday I attended Norwood Young's grand celebration of his new distinction as King of Hancock Park thanks to publication, LA City Beat. This Sunday, I reflect on the past week's global celebration of the election of Barak Obama as President of the United States. One week, two very different events, two very different men. But despite their differences I see a common thread. So although this post may be appear to be a little late, it may very well be right on time.

In a recent post I shared a very special moment of the event honoring Natalie Cole. In the video below, see more of that fabulous day spent in the presence of Hollywood "royalty" and hear how it all came to be directly from the new king himself.

Here's what some of his loyal friends including Loretta Devine had to say:

And now as Young and Obama settle into their new high appointments, may they both continue pressing toward the mark with the spirit of David.

NAACP Image Award Interviews

Sat, 17 Feb 2008 00:52:00 GMT

posted by ellenoir1

Obviously the sun came out too to celebrate the 39th Annual Image Awards. But don't be fooled by what you see! The sun was accompanied by "the hawk", turning a lovely red carpet day into a chilly and windy Chicago style afternoon.

Yet, despite the sudden drop in temperature the presence of one individual seem to warm up the carpet for quite a while--Tyler Perry. With two films on the horizon and Image Award nominations for his work in television and film, he had a lot to talk about with press. I didn't get the chance to interview him, but I did talk to the next best thing--one of his HPIC (Head Producers In Charge) and some of the stars of both films, Meet the Browns and A Family That Prays.

Other hot topics of discussion on the carpet: The Great Debators and its cast's individual nominations; this month's television debut of A Raisin In The Sun which Audra Macdonald shares great insight about; independent film Dirty Laundry and Rockmond Dunbar's role in it; Ruby Dee; and Rick Fox shedding his "pretty boy" image and continuing his full court press into acting.

NAACP Image Award Interviews

Sat, 17 Feb 2008 00:52:00 GMT

posted by ellenoir1

Get Well Soon Too, Natalie Cole! You're Unforgettable

Thu, 26 Sep 2008 06:51:00 GMT

posted by ellenoir1

With so much going on I almost forgot, that legendary singer, Natalie Cole, was also in the hospital. She's spent the past week in a New York hospital suffering from hepatitis C. According to the San Francisco Chronicle online, Cole told "Entertainment Tonight" that the chemo treatments are causing her to lose her hair and weight.

But Natalie Cole is not only a phenomenal singer, she's a conqueror. "The timing of this couldn't be worse," says Cole, "because of my new record coming out. What you do is rally and you have a great group of people rally around you." Her new album is called, "Still Unforgettable" which features another duet with her famed father titled, "Walking My Baby Back Home." Watch the video!

No dis to what's currently in heavy rotation on the radio right now, but every now and then it's good to bathe your ears in real instrumentation and vocals. Hear more of "Still Unforgettable" HERE.

God bless and strengthen you, Natalie Cole! In tribute to you here's my all time favorite song by you! I'm taking it back! This one always puts me in good mood!

I couldn't resist adding one more! Ma, this one's for you! Thank you for keeping Natalie's classic records! They betta be where I left them when I get home for the holidays, album covers and all!

Damn, that sounded good! Don't front! That brought back memories for some of you--good ones! It's like paradise, play it twice!