Imagine the day when we only hear the phrase ‘global pandemic’ uttered in a Hollywood action movie?
We can dream right?!
In the meantime, I have been keeping myself distracted by working in the garden. Pulling up weeds or planting seeds is a great escape from all the doom and gloom going on in the outside world. It is also physically exhausting, so you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep. Unless the local idiots decide 2am is a great time to set off their homemade fireworks… I live in Hollywood where it is a constant issue, but I know many of you are suffering the same fate all over town. I am not sure why this has become a ‘thing’ but it’s driving me bonkers, not to mention that it is illegal and especially dangerous during fire season. I can only guess it is their way of ‘escaping’ too. Perhaps they should try their hand at gardening, as then they will be too tired to do anything else…..
I have been extremely unmotivated in other areas of my life though; at the beginning of lockdown, I had visions of being extremely organized. Old papers shredded, odd jobs completed, closets and clutter streamlined, but it now all seems rather unimportant. So my hat goes off to those of you who have taken this alternate universe by the reins and turned this period into a productive one. I am so impressed with how enterprising you all are. We asked you to let us know what you have been up to and have received lots of emails from members sharing their latest endeavors. It is truly inspiring to see how many of you have adapted when the chips are down. Long time member Randy Tran recently lost his job but rather than accepting his lot he has started up his “Man with a Van” business again. Randy has helped me move many times over the years, so I can honestly recommend him. Drop him a line at RandyTranProfessional@gmail.com if you need his services.
Fashion designer Julia Clancey who made kaftans and turbans glamorous again has now turned her hand to making upscale masks and for each purchase she is donating kiddy masks or scrub caps to those who need them. Visit www.juliaclancey.com/ to check out her delightful wares.
Rather than waiting around for live shows to be back on the menu, magician Paul Roffman has launched a podcast. ‘The magic of…podcast with Paul Roffman’ is available on all podcast platforms, you can also watch his shenanigans on YouTube. And as you all know our dear friend and Pub Quiz host Sandro Monetti also has a podcast called “Who’s the Best?”, but whilst in lockdown, he has been quite busy writing a book! ‘Confessions of an Insider’ is a collection of funny stories about his encounters with 100 of the biggest names in the world. It’s available to purchase as an e-book this week and will be out in print in September. You can purchase on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Bravo Sandro, I can’t wait to read it!
Last but not least I am delighted to announce that chef Brendan Collins also known as ‘King of the Sunday Roast’ amongst Brits in LA members, has finally opened the doors to the long-awaited Market Tavern. The restaurant is a joint venture with fellow Brit Gary Twinn and they were due to open back in March, but then COVID, of course, threw a spanner in the works. Fortunately, they have ample patio space which means they can now safely receive customers. Our man on the ground, Frank L’e Sanford popped down their Tuesday evening and participated in our weekly Zoom Pub Quiz whilst dining on their Sticky Toffee Pudding. He has given it his seal of approval and told us that they have a great beer selection and an excellent menu and fantastic service. I had a peek at the menu and was excited to see all kinds of British fare, the usual suspects like Fish & Chips or Bangers & Mash but they also have Eggs with soldiers, Marmite on toast, and even Knickerbocker Glories, and of course Brendan’s famous roast. You can visit www.markettavernla.com or just pop in next time you are at the Farmers Market at the Grove, it is located on the Fairfax side. I have not been to a restaurant in months but I am very tempted to be brave and venture out for this one. If you visit the website they have a job vacancy page too.
If you have something to share drop us a line at info@britsin.la
Hope to see you all soon!
Cheers..
Eileen
