AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

What’s in my Pocket Friday

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The “What I’m Working On” Edition

It’s been a particularly frantic few weeks but here’s the thing — yesterday I read that a publicist is the first one yelled at and the last one thanked. That may be true a lot of the time but in these last few weeks, despite whatever exhaustion I feel, meals I miss, and frustrations I have, I leave work every day pretty happy. No one’s yelling at me, everybody thanks me — I guess I’m having fun being frantic.

  • What's in my Pocket FridayLast week, “Being Evel,” a documentary about infamous daredevil Evel Knivel, opened in select theaters and on demand. We held the red carpet premiere at the Arclight in Hollywood and not just that — we brought in a 63′ Mack Truck that used to be Evel show truck. We shut down a lane of Sunset Blvd. for this and I assure you, this was no easy feat. Check out the hashtag #BeingEvel on Twitter and Instagram for all the buzz. Here’s my favorite moment from our carpet:

 

  • This week, to an amazing amount of fanfare, we premiered the trailer for Colin Hanks’ documentary about the rise and fall of Tower Records, “All Things Must Pass.” Have a look!

  • We also launched a Flipagram channel for the film that hit nearly 1000 followers inside of a day. “All Things” is out in theaters October 16.
  • And next week, I’m off to New York to do press and for the premiere of “Addicted to Fresno” at Newfest. The movie is uproariously funny and I’m excited to watch and audience watch it. I laugh throughout the film but it’s much less fun alone in my office while I’m simultaneously taking notes. This one is out on demand September 1 and in theaters October 2.

What's in my Pocket Friday

And now, thankfully, the weekend. I’m sleeping in tomorrow. Switching the phone to silent…. now.

 

 

River Rock in Studio City Serves Disappointment

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In their defense, I saw the reviews on Yelp, and I went anyway…

River Rock in Studio City Serves Disappointment

I guess that’s on me but there are definitely some favorable reviews in there too, and I wanted to give River Rock at The Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City the benefit of the doubt. But I’m afraid they served up nothing but disappointment from the moment I walked through the door.

We were rather rushed out to our table on the patio. Probably because inside, it was empty and the buffet wasn’t done being set up yet. But then, the patio wasn’t set up either. The ground was wet, the tables weren’t set with anything except Tabasco and A-1 sauce (interesting sauce choices and hello? napkins, plates, silverware…), and there’s no decor outside anyway so aside from being next to a little lake, it was rather… ordinary.

River Rock in Studio City Serves Disappointment

A series of unfortunate events unfurled once the five of us were seated.

  • We sat there for a long time before the waiter finally showed up. He was surprised to see us. It was incredibly awkward.
  • Things came out slowly. First we got waters and then delightful little baskets of mini croissants with chocolate dipping sauce. But the plates, napkins and silverware didn’t arrive til later. So we stared at the delightful little baskets for a while, which was tortuous.
  • Eventually our drinks came. Eventually sweetener and cream came.
  • The food came and that was the biggest disaster. Everything was lukewarm or even cold. And one of our orders completely got by the server — he never put it in. He didn’t even seem apologetic about it. He came outside twice to ask my friend what she’d ordered as if she’d misplaced it and he was just trying to help her find it. She asked if he could just bring her a side of eggs and he walked away without acknowledging it leaving us to wonder if they were coming or not.
  • He was inside doing lord knows what when she finally gave up, went inside, and asked for a side of eggs so she’d at least have something to eat. They came out quickly, actually, but were overcooked and buttery. I give her credit for eating them but I am sure she was famished by then.
  • My dish came with a side of potatoes and a side of fruit. This is what my plate looked like:

River Rock in Studio City Serves Disappointment

  • Yeah, that’s a slice of orange and half a strawberry.
  • And this is what my eggs looked like inside:

River Rock in Studio City Serves Disappointment

  • We asked for salt and pepper. It never came. One of my friends went inside to get it.
  • We asked for drink refills that never came. Twice or three times we asked.
  • We asked for to-go boxes (for the more edible items) that never came.
  • The check came and we were so grateful to not have to wait for it, we put it all on one card just to expedite getting the eff out of there. I half expected (nay, I completely expected) that my friend’s last-minute eggs would at least be taken care of but no. No discount, no apology, not a word.
  • Around us, I could see other tables waiting and food getting sent back. The only thing the server consistently seemed to be waiting on were the bottomless mimosas. Those things got refilled ad nauseam. Maybe their policy is that a drunk customer is the customer who doesn’t notice their food taking 35 minutes to show up.

On our way out, I couldn’t let our experience go unnoticed. I slipped inside and asked for the manager and told him our experience had been horrible.

“Like how?” he asked.

So I gave him this list as I’ve given it to you. And frankly, he didn’t seem to care. Or maybe he just wasn’t surprised. I still don’t understand how we got through that whole meal and never heard an apology.

All that said, because we enjoy each others’ company, we had a nice time. And, I guess, now we have a story to tell… and Yelp reviews to write.

Wine and Cheese Mondays at Bow and Truss

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Hey Angelenos, if you haven’t spent any time in the North Hollywood Arts District, you’re missing out on a ton of fabulous restaurants, bars, a great independent movie theater and a ton of little theaters and shops. I love pockets of LA where there’s a ton to do in walking distance.

I’m lucky because I get to call this particular pocket of LA “home.”

And if anyone is looking for me on Labor Day, as I close out the long weekend, you are likely to find me at Bow and Truss, where they are hosting wine and cheese tastings on the first Monday of every month. The restaurant typically features a Latin inspired menu but on these nights, expect to try wines from all over the world.

Wine and Cheese Mondays at Bow and Truss

Everything is wonderfully laid out, too, so the anticipation builds from the moment you sit down. As everything begins to come out to the table, you really learn a lot about will power!

Wine and Cheese Mondays at Bow and Truss

A couple tips. First of all, it’s a lot of wine and a little cheese so do not plan on this being dinner (unless you are prone to a drinkable dinner in which case, no judgement from me). Second, go with an open mind! I went in believing I’m a red wines only gal and was shocked to find the very first wine, Belasco de Baquedano Rosa de Malbec from Argentina, remained my favorite throughout the entire tasting. Why have I stayed away from rosé wines all these years? It was sparkling, cool and refreshing.

I must confess that true to form, I did not care for the white wines, one an Edna Valley blend and the other a California Sauvignon Blanc, but it was still fun to try them and they were still a good compliment to the cheeses they were paired with.

Pinot Noir is my favorite wine in general, so happily, wine #4, Poppy Pinot Noir from Monterey, did not disappoint, although the final wine, a Malbec, was my second-favorite overall.

I really enjoyed the cheeses, of course, and all for different reasons. The first one, a straveccio cheese, was similar to pecorino romano — something like that. It was a hard cheese but the most salty and flavorful of the night for me. The next cheese was duller flavored with some Rosemary to it, which I don’t usually care for, but it was subtle and was the only thing keeping me drinking the white wines. We also had a terrific aged white cheddar and I learned something — cheddar is naturally white. Anytime you eat yellow cheddar, it’s just food coloring. I guess that seems obvious but it never occurred to me before. The Golden Valley Ewe that came next was great as was the creamy, final cheese, which also had the fanciest name: Brebirousse d’Argent. I would describe it as a richer brie.

The restaurant has done a really terrific job putting this together. It is only $25 for the experience and I can’t believe how much value you get for that money. These were generous pours of high-end wines and sophisticated cheeses. Plus, their patio is a beautiful and perfect place to spend an evening if you want to be outside. It’s the best in the neighborhood and this would be fun to do as a couple with other couples, or just with a group of friends. I think it would be a fun girls night out.

Wine and Cheese Mondays at Bow and Truss

Two giant, drunken thumbs up from me for wine and cheese Mondays at Bow and Truss. Check out their website for more details about reservations, their menu, this wine and cheese series and their other great events like movie nights on the patio.

MORE:

  • Located at 11122 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood
  • There is a rather pricey valet parking attendant out front which you may have to give into. Street parking is hard to find.
  • You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Thank you Bow and Truss for hosting me and my guest for this lovely event. 

What’s in my Pocket Friday

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The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing highlights with all of you! It’s been a while so grab the nearest bucket of popcorn, kids.

Pocket enables users to save something they find online for later. I find it especially handy as a Google Chrome extension — I only have to click a button to immediately save something to my pocket. Once something is saved, the content is visible on any device — phone, tablet, computer, and even offline.

  • Best of the Web This Week - What's In My Pocket FridaysRose McGowan, a new hero. A riveting article by Kate Arthur.
  • I have a page on Variety.com. That’s pretty ridiculous.
  • Buzzfeed’s “listicle” about the struggles of having thick hair is painfully accurate.
  • This is old news by now but I love it so much and I don’t care. 1000 people sync up on the Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly.”

  • This is also a ton of fun — Luke Bryan duets with Jason Derulo on his hit “Want to Want me.” I love it so much — I’ve probably watched it every day this week. (It was created to advertise a new social karaoke app and it worked — I totally downloaded it.)

  • Apparently this has been going on for a while — this duet with Jessie J and a random user named Coral Leigh is rather beautiful.
  • Who runs the world? These dancers, ages 11 and 14, do.
  • What TV is everyone watching this Summer? There’s a total lack of good stuff out there and I usually find a couple new shows to get hooked on in the Summer season. I guess it doesn’t help that this year’s Big Brother cast is completely inept and unlikable and the new format for So You Think You Can Dance is stupid. But they did reunite “Twilex” so not a total loss.

Best of the Web This Week - What's In My Pocket Fridays

  • You guys, Columbia House is going out of business. So you can’t get 12 CDs for a penny anymore. (Yes, apparently they were still in business. I was as surprised as you.)
  • Inside Out is getting a sequel. Sort of. But I’m really excited!!!

EARLIER THIS WEEK….

 

Not the Worst Pitch I’ve Ever Gotten, But Maybe the Most Irresponsible

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I held my breath and my face burned with anger as I read this pitch:

We hear it all of the time: “she’s so bipolar?” “This weather is bipolar.” Or a joke about someone being happy one second, then sad the next. But what do people mean by that, and what exactly does a bipolar diagnosis mean for a person? …. In Exit Stage Left, you’ll discover the exact set of tools and strategies Tilly Dunn used to finally break free from the grip of anti-psychotic medications after taking them faithfully for 42 years…. “I want to share my joy with you…. if I can do it, so can you. I’ll show you how I did it.”

Who is Tilly Dunn?

Born in the Netherlands, Tilly Dunn is the youngest of six children. She later migrated to Canada, and in 1956, at the age of just 11, started 51 years of suicidal thinking in waves after her first failed suicide attempt. In 1970, insult was added to injury with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She is hoping her book can help others who are going through similar circumstances.

“If I can do it, so can you.” 

Nope. Not even a little.

Look, I don’t want to tear down a woman of a certain age who’s come out on top following a huge battle with a serious illness (and that’s what bipolarism is, guys; it’s a serious illness). But I think it’s irresponsible with a biography like this and a description like that to shout “If I can do it, so can you.” “What does a bipolar diagnosis mean for a person?” You cannot answer that question with a blanket statement. This book is 183 pages long and I can’t even imagine how you explain the disease in all its complexity and clinical levels, tell your story, and then preach overcoming it sans “anti-psychotic medications” in that short a page count.

It’s also worth pointing out that with some light digging, I was able to find out that even though the author doesn’t have a functioning website, she does happen to be a registered nurse with a specialty in palliative care. I mean, at least put that in the author biography, right? Tell me that in the email. And for crying out loud, toss a disclosure in there or something. The only other voice lending credibility to this book is one five-star review on Amazon from someone proclaiming an expertise because he has a PhD in applied sciences.

“Insult was added to injury.”

Just stop right there. If you are struggling with depression and attempting suicide and lurking in those really dark places no one likes to talk about at dinner parties, then I have to tell you, getting a diagnosis like this is not an insult, it’s a blessing. Because now that someone with a medical degree and years of experience has diagnosed you (I hope, I hope), you can get treatment — whatever that may be. Whatever works for you.

And I think, at the very least, if the publicist ignores it, the publisher knows it, because this appears on page three of the book:

Not the Worst Pitch I've Ever Gotten, But Maybe the Most Irresponsible

But what do I know? Don’t take my word for it. This book is endorsed by The School of Complementary Therapies! (That’s also on page three.)

And just to be clear, all that aside because I actually believe the author, however delusional she may appear to me, is coming from a positive place and again, I fully acknowledge she’s been through a struggle and has come out on top, my point is, THIS PITCH IS IRRESPONSIBLE.

Not the Worst Pitch I've Ever Gotten, But Maybe the Most Irresponsible

This Week on the Web

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A “Pocket Fridays” Remix

I’ve been slacking and I’m sorry.

Thursdays are a bulldozer-day (ok, what day isn’t?) and sometimes cracking the laptop that night to draft my Friday post is too daunting. But I’ve still been “pocketing” things that amuse and amaze and today, I’m feeling an urge to share this week on the web. Too many fun finds to keep to myself!

This Week on the Web

  • Not only did Donald Trump take a meeting with Sarah Palin, but Marc Cuban jumped on his bandwagon, and the country became even more distraught that Jon Stewart is retiring from The Daily Show. I’m considering renaming this election the “Sharknado Prophecy.”
  • Says Netflix and Marvel: A new series every six months. WHAT.
  • 1000 musicians gathered in Italy to play the Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” to entice the band to play a show there. Of course Dave Grohl responded that they would. And the video is absolutely epic.

  • A clip from Lifetime’s upcoming “Unauthorized Full House Story” came out and it looks pretty terrible. Frankly, I can’t wait to watch it.

This Week on the Web

  • Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful shared some terrific business mantra’s.
  • If you’re into hockey, this piece by LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was a great read!
  • Amazon Dash buttons are real but I’m annoyed they are $5 to get and that there isn’t one for Twizzlers.
  • This picture. Just because I want to snuggle him. Or lounge by the pool with him.

This Week on the Web

Earlier This Week…

These Are My Obsessions

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When I saw this in Stephanie’s blog, Not Entirely Perfect, I thought it was so much fun… So I’m stealing it! (Thank you, Stephanie.)

It’s easy, if not common, to tell people you are obsessed with something, right? But what would your friends say you’re obsessed with? If you think you can predict what they’d say, think again!

So I polled a dozen randomly selected friends and what began as kind of a vanity thing ended up being a rather valuable learning experience — but I’ll get to that at the end.

12/12: BRUNCH or FOOD. Most said brunch. I cannot dispute this. I do love my brunches. Not a week goes by these days when someone doesn’t ask me for a recommendation. I always take the ask seriously and send back options. I believe in brunch choices.

10/12: HOT GUYS. A few people mentioned specific hot guys such as Tom Hardy, Matt Bomer or “Shirtless Zac Efron.” Which is accurate across the board. (Frankly, with a shirt on, Zefron is useless to me) I’m not ashamed to admit I enjoy a handsome man.

10/12: PUPPIES. Yes, I have a problem. One time I was in a shop with friends. A very attractive, single man walked by outside and everyone turned to watch him through the store window. I was looking at the dog he was walking. No one was surprised. Priorities, people.

These are my obsessions

8/12: KINGS (HOCKEY). It’s funny cause I would never call myself obsessed with hockey but I do like it a ton. I grew up in a “hockey family” so I’ve just always loved it. I have become even more fond of it as more of my friends have become fans, though, and we’ve started to watch and attend games together. I used to prefer to watch alone – I have no idea why now.

8/12: SOCIAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY. I don’t really know about that but let me look into it on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Quora, Venture Beat, Gadget Review — or something like that and circle back with you later. (One friend said “earphones” which I could have bunched in here. It’s very true — I do love them.)

7/12: VODKA. No comment. But pass the bottle

7/12: STAR TREK. Yes, for sure, although to be clear, I prefer “The Next Generation” franchise above all others. I enjoyed the first JJ Abrams reboot but hated “Into Darkness.”

These are my obessions

6/12: MUSICALS. At my elementary school, each grade was responsible for putting on a musical in their designated month. It’s not that they were having us put on “Oklahoma” or “West Side Story,” mind you. I went to a Jewish private school and the musicals were usually historical or biblical stories with songs written by our music teacher. But that was a huge part of my childhood. I don’t think I couldn’t be obsessed with musicals.

6/12: TELEVISION. Some qualified this as “Netflix” but the general consensus is that I am obsessed with TV. I don’t think I am as much as I used to be, but I do love it a lot.

Some things only one or two people came back with: X-Men or Marvel, boy bands, designer handbags, concerts, wearing black, Yankees, Sharknado and Starbucks.

KEY LEARNINGS

Because I hinge toward insecurity more often than not, I have this weird, ingrained belief that no one really knows me. In the same way a 14 year old might shout at their parents “YOU DON’T KNOW THE REAL ME!” It’s not a judgement against my friends — it’s derived from the fact that I think I am hard to get to know and a little bit because I worry people won’t like me. But I swear to you, every time I got an email back from a friend on this little mission, I was slapped in the face with warmth and flattery. It was such a humbling experience. People do know me, guys! In the end I actually felt like crying because I realized how stupid I am and that I do have some really great relationships and there are people I can count on. (Again, this is not a judgement against my friends – I know I can count on them but you know how that is when you feel sad and alone and think impractically that there’s no one to call who will understand?)

One of my friends replied that I was obsessed with bracelets at the same time I posted this on Twitter. Amazing.

This was a perfect shot of self esteem. It made me feel loved in the best way.

These are my obsessions! And if I died tomorrow, would I be okay being remembered as a boy band fanatic who enjoyed the occasional decadent brunch, loved hockey and sexy male celebrities?

Hell yes. 

What’s in my Pocket Friday

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The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday! And I had so much in my pocket this week – WOW! The internet is really fighting the good fight, you guys.

Pocket enables users to save something they find online for later. I find it especially handy as a Google Chrome extension — I only have to click a button to immediately save something to my pocket. Once something is saved, the content is visible on any device — phone, tablet, computer, and even offline.

Best of the Web This Week - Pocket Fridays

  • Even though it’s post-Independence Day at this point, please enjoy this: America explained to non-Americans.
  • Ariana Grande did a huge favor for this one donut shop.
  • This company just raised $86 MILLION DOLLARS to revolutionize their industry. You’ll be surprised when you see what they do….
  • I got to attend an early screening of Minions. I’m sorry to say…. I didn’t like it. And no one loves a Minion more than I do. But I also saw Inside Out, which was AMAZING!

Pocket Fridays - The Best of the web this week!

  • This meme pretty much sums up my life.
  • Posts like this are super helpful — The optimal length for every social media post.
  • Eight birds, one hamster and one dog. Pure adorableness.
  • Someone set the Newsies to Bruno Mars’ “UptownFunk” and I rather enjoy it.

Earlier This Week

If anyone needs me over the weekend, I’ll be meditating….!

Vanity Fair’s Fanfair: My Stuff

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A graphic design/layout challenge I issued to myself that will only look familiar if you’ve ever read an issue or two of Vanity Fair. If not, to see the recurring feature this is based on, click here. (To enlarge the image below, simply click on it. Zoom in at will.)

Vanity Fair's Fanfair: My Stuff

This has basically been an exercise in vanity — but if you’re ever going to be vain, it may as well be for such an aptly named magazine. Fun facts — Vanity Fair was established in 1913 but was folded into Vogue in 1935 following the Great Depression. It wasn’t resurrected and built into the publication we know today until 1981. They also have a fabulous app. Their photography sure looks fantastic in digital but I’m still clinging to “the book” (pro tip: in the entertainment industry, we refer to the print edition of a publication as “the book”).

What’s in my Pockey Friday: Independence Day Edition

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The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Pocket enables users to save something they find online for later. I find it especially handy as a Google Chrome extension — I only have to click a button to immediately save something to my pocket. Once something is saved, the content is visible on any device — phone, tablet, computer, and even offline.

Best of the Web This Week - Pocket Fridays

  • This recipe for BROWN BUTTER ICE CREAM SANDWICHES sent me into another stratosphere.
  • I saw Magic Mike XXL last night with a hoard of friends. It was everything I needed it to be. This review is fabulous but be warned it has spoilers.

The Best of the web this week - Pocket Fridays

  • A great list from Thrillist – 22 Essential LA Apps.
  • Thrillist also broke down some stellar new restaurants and bars that just opened in LA.
  • I caught this video of Wil Wheaton discussing his struggles with anxiety disorder and depression. I thought it was authentic and wonderful. Snaps to the former Mr. Crusher.

And HEY! It’s Independence Day Weekend so here’s a special section dedicated to the upcoming Presidential Election! 

  • There are approximately eleventy billion people running for President and my favorite changes daily based on what idiot moment is trending in the news.
  • Ted Cruz thought his horrible Simpsons impressions would serve him well — Jon Stewart thought differently. I’m clearly going to have to record The Daily Show every night now.
  • Bobby Jindal, who announced his candidacy via nanny cam, had an embarrassing Twitter Q&A.
  • Donald Trump is basically pissing everyone off. Like, everyone. He’s second in the GOP poll but with more than a dozen candidates diluting the survey population, who gives a shit?
  • Marco Rubio is selling… (wait for it)… MARCO POLOS. Ted Cruz totally missed an opportunity to brand his coozies as CRUZIES, you guys. #FAIL

The Best of the web this week - Pocket FridaysEarlier This Week…

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