December 17th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Author: Carita Rizzo
Photo: John Russo
Information provided by: Angeleno
With high-profile parts in Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken and next summer’s Terminator: Genisys, Jai Courtney locks in his role as Hollywood’s rising action star.
A custom Bratstyle 1976 Honda motorcycle pulls up outside of Foodlab, a gourmet deli in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, making heads turn as its engine loudly revs. Jai Courtney, looking every bit the action hero he portrays on screen, enters the cozy eatery wearing a black T-shirt that shows off ripped arms and a few tattoos. His scruffy beard gives off an air of nonchalance, as if he might be too busy maiming bad guys to shave, while his dark blond curly hair seems to have immunity from helmet head. “I’m Jai,” says the handsome 6-foot-1-inch Australian, extending said muscular arm and mentioning that he would love to grab a bite to eat while we talk. Will he order a slab of bear meat? A triple bacon cheeseburger? What exactly does post-apocalyptic soldier Kyle Reese, the starring role he plays in next year’s highly anticipated action blockbuster Terminator: Genisys, eat for lunch? “Can I have the arugula salad, please?” he politely asks the server once we are seated. Wait, what? Arugula? “I’m an eater. I know how to eat, but somewhat foolishly, I took a campaign back in Australia for a [clothing] company called Bonds,” he tells me with a chuckle. “It means that I’ve got to get photographed in my underpants.”
It turns out that the arugula speaks less to Courtney’s culinary preferences than it does to the discipline he applies to his career. But with notable turns as an American soldier in this month’s WWII drama Unbroken (directed by none other than Angelina Jolie); the Divergent franchise, in which he plays the brutal leader of Dauntless, who constantly challenges Shailene Woodley’s character (the second film in the series, Insurgent, debuts in March); and as the leading man in next summer’s Terminator reboot, it looks like Courtney will have to maintain this fierce commitment to his extreme physique for a while.
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December 17th, 2014 at 9:00 am
Although those of us in sun-soaked Southern California don’t experience the same frigid temperatures as other parts of the United States, that doesn’t mean we should miss out on one of the best fashion trends of the season. The winter weather gets just cool enough to incorporate our favorite winter accessory: the scarf. This wonderful wardrobe addition can make our outfit go from average to astonishing. The way you wear it or style it can bring a whole new look to your favorite ensemble. Whether you prefer to go with a simple neck tie or wear it as a classic headscarf a la Grace Kelly, it’s your not-to-forget fashion piece this season.
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December 16th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
What:
Holiday decorations, millions of glittering lights, Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides and the world’s largest manmade mistletoe – it doesn’t get much more festive than it does at The Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. This year’s festival features confections from Casey’s Cupcakes at the Inn.
Where:
3649 Mission Inn Ave.
Riverside, CA 92501
When:
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December 16th, 2014 at 10:00 am
Fran’s Chocolates has friends in high places. How high?
According to The Huffington Post, our chocoholic in chief treats White House visitors to the milk chocolate and smoked salt caramels from Seattle-based Fran’s. The first lady prefers the gray salt ones.
And top chef Bobby Flay raved last month to People Magazine that Fran’s coconut gold bars “are the best gourmet candy bars ever. Hands down. No competition.”
That’s how sweet it is these days for Fran Bigelow. For more than 30 years, this master chocolatier has been setting candy trends. She was selling miniature chocolate bars and elegant truffles before they became ubiquitous.
Fran’s passion for chocolates began with her first taste of French confections in 1969. The rich and delicate flavors captivated her senses unlike anything she had experienced. In 1982, she opened Fran’s Patisserie and Chocolate Specialties in Seattle, finding special satisfaction in sharing the pure joy of chocolate with her customers.
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December 15th, 2014 at 4:00 pm
What:
Celebrate the holidays at SOCO and the OC Mix while you enjoy the musical styling of pianist Trevor Wesley and visit with Santa Ron, all while real snow provided by 24 Carrots creates a winter wonderland. Explore the LCA’s wine garden, sample sweets from SusieCakes and ST Patisserie, and the complimentary gift wrapping donations help support Project Hope Alliance – an Orange County-based charity ending homelessness for children in our community.
Where:
SOCO
3313 Hyland Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When:
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