Ain't Life Grand?

So, we've been hearing about this new bar downtown called Seven Grand. (It's at the corner of 7th and Grand - get it?) It's run by the same people who run Golden Gopher and The Broadway Bar - two of our favorite downtown haunts. Last Saturday, after the roller derby, we finally had the chance to check it out.

I was happy to discover that Seven Grand boasts a special menu featuring 125 whiskeys, and that they plan on adding 75 more in the coming months! Apparently, they go through a lot of Maker's Mark...

Seven Grand has an enticing, dark, intimate lounge vibe. There is a warm enclosed patio that runs the length of the bar. When you're at the Seven Grand, you almost feel like you're in New York. Here is the view from the patio...

Me, Gina and Brian hung out for a while before we were joined by our friends Dina, Jason and Eric. Here is a picture of Dina, Jason, and Eric.

At least I think that's Dina, Jason, and Eric. Maybe it's Jason, Gina, and Brian. Damn! Why do I try to take such arty pictures when I'm drinking?

At any rate, Seven Grand is a classy, comfortable bar with a classic speakeasy vibe. My only complaint is that - for a place specializing in whiskey - their logo seems to be a rip off of the Jagermeister logo.

Seven Grand
515 W 7th

Los Angeles, CA 90014

(213) 614-0737

Viva la Race LA!

While most of you are guzzling margaritas and belting out bad versions of La Bamba on Cinco De Mayo, Heath and I are going to participate in a race that will take us on a wild goose chase around Los Angeles.

I'm a HUGE fan of Amazing Race, the TV show where twelve teams of two race around the world performing all kinds of crazy challenges for a chance to win a million bucks. Well, Race LA is a little different. First, there are eighteen teams of two. Second, you race around Los Angeles only. Third, you win nothing.

Nada. Zilch. Zero.

Still, we decided to give up our 2nd favorite "holiday" (first is Leap Day) and participate. Here are some of the rules:

1. Travel books, city guides, computers, and GPS devices are NOT PERMITTED.
2. Cell phones MUST be turned off throughout the entire race.
3. We can only have ONE map. Luckily, a Thomas Guide is considered a map and is permitted.
4. We may stop and use a pay phone for research (please friends...stay near a computer that day!).
5. Each team needs their own car. Although only one driver per team is required.

Here's a pic of our first "clue" that came in the mail today. Basically it's just a sheet containing directions to the starting location. Like the letter said, "Don't worry, the clues do get more difficult."All said, I'm really looking forward to it. I have a feeling we'll get into a few...er...discussions that day. I can hear it now, "I said turn right, not left!" Should be quite interesting...

I'll let you know how it goes. Or better yet, we'll meet you for margaritas when it's over.

g

"Hilariously Disturbing"

That's how my friend Brian described these pictures. These are pictures of fast food items: Advertisements vs. Reality.

According to fellow blogster extraordinaire, The West Virgina Surf Report states that, "Each item was purchased, taken home, and photographed immediately. Nothing was tampered with, run over by a car, or anything of the sort. It is an accurate representation in every case. Shiny, neon-orange, liquefied pump-cheese, and all."

Let's play a game, shall we? You'll win. Promise.

Can you guess which is the Taco Bell Nachos Bell Grande advertisement and which is the real deal?

How about McDonald's Fish Filet sandwich?

Or Burger King's Whopper?

My favorite is Wendy's Southwest Chicken Salad. What's up with the blog of beans?

You can see more fast food pics here. Another ground-breaking story they did was People in Newspaper Ads Who Look Like They're Farting.

Yes, it's a slow blog day here at PuraVidaForever.

Have a great weekend!

g

superfluous...

Despite not watching American Idol this season I feel like I'm completely caught up with all the hubbub... With full recognition going out to the cheesy tabloid sites I find myself clicking to.





Note to self...must stop clicking!

My obsession at the moment is Sanjaya Malakar and his never ending hair-dont's. I hear he has "terrible stage presence" and he "sings like a girl" but this vocally challenged Leif Garrett wannabe just might make it to the top, mostly because of his versatile coiffures.

Which Sanjaya hairstyle do you like best? I think I prefer the Pineapple Princess up-do myself.

You can read an interesting LAist article about Sanjaya here.

g
(definitely not h)

Photos of the Week - Downtown