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Letter from the Editors

EatCasa Cocina y CantinaFood On the Go

DrinkSeven Nights in Downtown

ListenI’m Bad, You’re Bad Love, Dad

WearUSC Street Style

Stadium Chic

Once Upona DowntownPhotographed by Edwin EversoleFeaturing Mia Fields and Thom Wyatt

LookMOCA NEW

Stadium Chic 10 Seven Nights in Downtown 6 Once Upon a Downtown 12

Katie Durko Derrick Sun Lena KouyoumdjianCreative Director Editor-In-Chief Director of Publishing

Praveen Gnanam Frankie Rosas Edwin EversoleFood Editor Arts Editor Photographer

Morgan VoienContributing Editor

Two months ago, this magazine was just a gleam in its mommy’s eye. It began to grow and get gills and thumbs and—well, other things that go along with this metaphor. A dozen meetings, several hundred emails, and a whole bunch of late night brain-storming sessions later, it’s a beautiful, little baby magazine in our hands!

In our premier issue, we’re taking a look at Downtown Los Angeles. It’s USC’s backyard—so close, and yet so different from life on our campus. Come with us on an adventure through the next 17 pages, as we explore eating, drinking, music, arts and fashion in Downtown. The first issue was the work of less than a dozen students. Next semester, we’re hoping for more pages, more Trojans, and more contributors to make this bigger, better and badder-ass. So, to all you student writers, editors, photographers and designers out there—we’re expecting your call. And of course, a thank you as big as our ideal budget to our talented and connected contributors.

Katie + Lena + Derrick

[email protected]

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by Praveen Gnanam

As inhabitants of L.A., it is our geographic right—no, duty—to indulge in the envy-triggering bounties that are not just plentiful, but exceptional to our fair city. These include excessive sunshine, an obscene supply of beautiful people and delicious Mexican food that’s a hop, skip and eat distance from campus. However, relating to you the euphoria of drunkenly devouring Chano’s carne asada nachos or gorging a La Taquiza slow-roasted pork mulita would be informing you of something you should already know. So, we arrive at Casa Cocina y Cantina, a restaurant located at 4th and Grand that specializes in Mexican fine dining. Upon entry of Casa, the most striking feature is the pod-like structures surrounding each outdoor patio table. They provide—I’m assuming—privacy to diners, and—I’m speculating—protection from meteors. The patio area, complete with a fire pit, allows patrons to gaze up at the canopy of high rises (And if you smoke, you’re in luck). The interior of the restaurant itself is pristine white—a modern mission aesthetic that contrasts the presumed escape pods. Inside the restaurant, certain tables are hidden in more private enclaves, which prove to be a bit of a nuisance as they trap and

amplify the sounds of the restaurant, turning dinner conversation into a game of telephone. This deafening soundtrack is only made worse by after work suits yelling at the televised sports, and their clamour builds steadily from Happy Hour until said suits realize that Casa’s cocktails are stronger than they seem. What to eat: Casa has a rather large menu, so to save you the trouble, we sampled everything on the Chef’s tasting menu—hopefully these recommendations justify our recent weight gain! First, I must insist you ask for Casa’s chips; they’re free, made in-house and are re-ally quite a treat. There are some great appetizers, but for dining on a student’s budget, stick to ordering an entrée. It’s going to set you back $18, but the portions are sizable and the best part of their menu. The Bistec de Vaquero was my favorite of the night: a sophisticated steak fajita dish with a beautifully seasoned prime Angus skirt steak that rivals any “carne asada” I’ve ever had. To be fair, the success of the steak was not a solo effort. The accompanying caramelized onions and fresh pressed flour tortillas both played an essential role in making it a truly satisfying meal. Another entrée popular amongst the

table was the Enchiladas con Langosta y Camarones, a lobster, shrimp and spinach enchilada that was covered in a butternut squash sauce that on first inspection looked suspiciously like nacho cheese. The dish however is one we would recommend. If nothing else, you should try it simply to see such truly quality ingredients in so deceptive a package. Wash it down: If you’ve got $14 to spend on a cocktail, I would strongly recommend the Gran Casa Cadillac. This concoction of Gran Centenario Reposado tequila, organic agave nectar, fresh lime juice and a float of Grand Marnier is a strong, understated drink that tantalizes tastebuds with waves of complex flavors. Another favorite is the Spicy Cadillac Margarita the perfect blend of surprisingly spicy and deliciously tequila. Casa takes the familiar flavors of the Mexican food we Angelenos know and love, and serves them to us with a few beautifully surprising twists. This Downtown gem gave me a new appreciation for a cuisine I usually enjoy in a, shall we say, far less elegant setting. Casa Cocina y Cantina, 50 S Grand Ave., Two California Plaza, Los Angeles.4

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Japanese meets the hamburger. Choose from Torakku beef, Katsu pork, Torakku tofu and curried chicken between two sweet, sticky rice patties. Try the Angus beef, marinated in a “secret” sauce (secret ingredi-ent: most likely crack cocaine) or the Katsu pork (best $5 I’ve ever spent). Prepare to get addicted.

marked5.com

MARKED 5 SPRINKLES

Your favorite red velvet cupcakes are now on the move. Check out the Sprinkles Twitter feed for insider passwords to snag a free cupcake.

twitter.com/sprinkles

BORDER GRILL

The Border Grill truck is serving up the Santa Monica location’s signature tacos: Yucatan pork, crispy Baja fish and of course carne asada. The cumin fries with chipotle ketchup are the key to a successful order here.

twitter.com/bordergrill

GREEN TRUCK

Only in L.A. could this be a reality: Certified organic veggies, mercury-free line-caught fish, grass-fed beef dogs and vegan breakfast burritos, served on compostable disposables out of a vegetable oil-powered truck.

greentruckonthego.com

ARMANDO’S

How could we talk taco trucks without mentioning USC’s own hidden gem? This truck, tucked behind the Intramural field, is the best cheap eat on campus. If you’re looking to go into a food coma, order the Beverly Burger (bacon, pastrami, avocado, cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomato). Hint: daily fresh-made hot sauce is the best in the state.

Bitch, please. They ain’t no website.

If you live in Los Angeles and also happen to have eyes, you may have noticed that food trucks are taking over the city. Restaurateurs and mobile-minded entrepreneurs are getting smart about the way they get food into your mouths. But to hell with those unnaturally addictive Kogi sliders* and the two hour line that precedes them. Here are five less famous but equally delicious eats on wheels.

If you really can’t quit your Kogi taco addiction, check out Alibi Room in Culver City, the kitchen where those famous tacos originated, sans the epic wait time. 12236 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles. alibiroomla.com

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monday theVarnish

saturday Broadway Bar

thursday theEdison

thursday theEdison

tuesday Librarybar

sundayCorkbar

friday SevenGrand

wednesday Golden Gopher

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Pass through an unsuspecting door at the back of Cole’s Restaurant and you’ll find yourself at the Varnish, a lounge with a classic, early 20th century feel. The Varnish is most known for its extensive menu of cocktail ingredients and bartenders who are no less than wizards of cocktailery. 118 E Sixth St.

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Library Bar has been named the crown jewel of downtown’s ever-growing nightlife setting and the perfect escape from the Hollywood bar scene. This trendy yet intimate bar, adjacent to the Los Angeles Public Library, offers its customers specialty cocktails, luxurious leather sofas and bookshelves filled with real books to read by the fireplace. 630 W 6th St., Ste 116a.

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An authentic Irish pub (and self-proclaimed, imaginary boys club), serving 271 premium whiskeys and 12 different glacier-cold pints. Come ready to play pool on Seven Grand’s 150-year-old pool table and smoke exclusive bourbon-dipped Maker’s Mark cigars. 515 W 7th St., 2nd Fl.

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An elegant and glamorous 1940s inspired supper club with a 50-foot centerpiece circular bar, multi-tiered cocktail lounges and smoking patios that offer unrestricted views of L.A.’s Historic Theatre District. 830 S. Broadway.

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Seven Nights in Downtown

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The Golden Gopher, a true urban cocktail lounge, provides an ample selection of top shelf liquor, as well as a striking indoor/outdoor smoking patio. There is something for everyone here: cheap Pabst beer, jamming jukebox tunes and old-school video games. 417 W 8th St.

L.A.’s first private power plant turned lounge is most known for its hand-crafted cocktails, signature food and live music. On Thursdays from 5-7 pm, the Edison offers guests a unique, mixologist-created cocktail for the tiny price of 35 cents! 108 W 2nd St.

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A wine country-inspired casual wine bar, offering a selection of over 40 different wines by the glass and many more by the bottle. In addition to wine, Corkbar also serves about a dozen different types of artisanal Californian beers. 403 W 12th St.

Photos courtesy of the Varnish, Library Bar, the Golden Gopher, the Edison, Seven Grand, Broadway Bar and Corkbar.

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Seven Nights in Downtown by Katie Durko

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ear An Interrogation with

I’m Bad, You’re Bad Love, DadWho are you? I’m Bad, You’re Bad Love, Dad.

What do you do? We do what we do when we do what we do. Play, dance, sing and hopefully make other people play, dance and sing.

If your band were a color, which one would it be?Mauve.

What does your name mean? What do you mean?

Boxers of briefs? You Wish. But, if we had to answer…Depends.

Who are your musical influences? Burt Reynolds.

If you guys were in a house at Hogwarts, which one? Hufflepufff. Well, we’ve only read like 4 or 5 and three-quarters books or something, but we always just kinda thought they were the really wimpy house, you know. So we kinda like to root for the underdogs. Like, nobody hates Hufflepuff. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, they’re just like weird and whatever, you know? Uhh...no, we don’t.

Name your favorite thing about USC: Free parking, free bicycles and unarmed campus security.

What do you guys like to do for fun? Parcheesi, Rumikub, Balderdash, Gin Rummy.

If you could meet anyone from the history of the world, who would it be? Burt Reynolds.

Favorite political scandal? Chris Brown vs. Rihanna.

Do you have groupies? Tell us a funny story. In third grade, we all made an aquarium terrarium out of a coke bottle. On the top, we laid down a foundation of sod and planted aloe vera to feed the crickets we housed there. On the bottom is where we kept the guppies. Ohhhhh, you said groupies. Our bad, you’re bad.

Why are you no longer P.S. Nevermind? BOOF!

How would you describe your music? Ghetto TechKrunk-FutureFlow-DubStep-IndiePopElectronica.com

Any pre-show rituals?Blanky: Sacrificial Lambs.Matt: You mean limbs?Blanky: Lambs.

What’s coming up next for you guys? Our first show.

from left: Matt Ritterspach, Matt Blankenship, John Frankel, Travis Blankenship (not pictured)Edited by Lena Kouyoumdjian, Photographed by Derrick Sun

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to MOCA NEW

by Frankie Rosas

MOCA rolls on into the next 30 years.Chris Burden, The Big Wheel, 1979, Collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

What is new about MOCA NEW? The term was created by Eli Broad and with the amount of money (30 million and counting) he donated to keep MOCA afloat, he can call it whatever he wants. The new at MOCA is that MOCA is showing its permanent collection. It is about time. MOCA is constantly bragging about its monumental permanent collection but rarely shows it.

Right in time for its 30th anniversary, MOCA presents Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years. The exhibition celebrates MOCA’s collection in a big way with over 500 works by more than 200 artists. Collection also takes up a lot of real estate and is spread out between MOCA’s two downtown locations. The show is organized chronologically, beginning at Grand Avenue with the 1940s and Abstract Expressionism. The show continues at the Geffen Contemporary with art from the previous 30 years, or what MOCA calls “the MOCA years.”

Collection is a comprehensive history of art from the past 70 years, presenting a full range of styles and movements since World War II. The biggest names in contemporary art in the show include: Pollock, de Kooning, Giacometti, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Oldenberg, Rauschenberg, Rothko, Flavin and Irwin. Some of the most exciting works in Collection are recreations of installation-based works—my favorite of which was Ed Ruscha’s Chocolate Room.

The exhibition was organized by MOCA’s chief curator Paul Schimmel, whose mission for this exhibition was to “enable the public to build relationships with individual works of art and develop a sense of long-term engagement with the collection and the museum.” This is exactly how this show should be experienced—by finding your favorite works and then learning more. MOCA even created a special portion of its website, which provides more information for visitors once they leave the museum.

Yes, the size of the exhibition is seemingly daunting, but here is the good news: Collection will be on view until May 3, 2010. Even if you start in January, you still have 18 weekends to see all the works in the show (at about 28 works per visit). I’m not suggesting you actually go to MOCA 18 weekends in a row, but I am suggesting that you go to see this exhibit. Who knows when such a comprehensive exhibition of contemporary art will be on view again? And MOCA is right in downtown L.A. so you have no excuse.

Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years (on view through May 3, 2010)

Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary are open 11am-5pm Monday and Friday; 11am-8pm Thursday; 11am--6pm Saturday and Sunday; and are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Admission is $5 for students with I.D. and free to everyone on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art 9

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Timmy and Jera, both fine arts Alex,public policy

Chase,philosophyMeghan,

businessHenoch,music industry &

comparative lit

Katie,cinema &

english

Senna,fine arts

Casey,theatre

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by Katie Durkophotos by Derrick Sun

Stadium Chic modeled by Paige Thelen, Betsy Newman and

Taylor Cassidy.

Ariana Menichini (second from right) and friends sporting

Stadium Chic on game day.

SC doesn’t just stand for Southern California anymore. Meet Ariana Menichini, a USC alumni who founded Stadium Chic, a contemporary apparel line that combines the latest styles and trends with stadium wear. Ariana came up with the idea to start the clothing line with the help of her brother Alex, a TCU graduate, and her closest friends.“My friends and I were always looking for something to wear to the football games, but could never find anything fashion forward with the USC logo on it,” Ariana said. “Like many girls, we would take men’s tees and create dresses and tops that were stylish and fit well.” Thanks to Menichini’s creativity and the increasing demand for female university apparel, Stadium Chic was launched in August 2009. “Fashion has always been a passion of mine and I felt there was a high demand for fashionable college apparel with contemporary designs,” Ariana said. “My father has been in the apparel industry for over thirty years, so I decided to follow in his footsteps.” Working as a team, Ariana and her brother have developed their brand into a fast growing business. “Stadium Chic has been an overwhelming success. It is so exciting and rewarding to see girls at game days and in Facebook photos wearing Stadium Chic,” Ariana said. Currently, Stadium Chic is carried by the USC Bookstore and several sporting good stores in the L.A. area. The siblings plan to add an e-commerce aspect to their company website in the near future. They also have hopes of expanding their line to include more sports teams. “We would love to acquire licensing rights to the MLB, NBA and NFL. What female wouldn’t want to look stylish while cheering on her favorite team?!”

Prices of the garments start at $45 and run up to around $60. Be sure to check out the brand at www.stadiumchic.com.

OnceUpon aDowntown

Photographed by Edwin Eversole and Derrick SunFeaturing Mia Fields and Thom Wyatt

Makeup by Kelsey LynnStyled by Lena Kouyoumdjian and Katie Durko

Edwin Eversole (photographer) is a junior, studying cinema production at USC. When he’s not hard at work shooting movies or models, Edwin spends his free time surfing.

Thom wears a vintage tuxedo shirt, oxfords and Uniqlo pants. Mia wears a Madison and Marcus dress and blazer (both from the Beehive in Manhattan Beach).

Follow Mia and Thom for a day in Downtown, as seen from six different angles.

Mia wears an American Apparel leotard. Thom wears a vintage tuxedo shirt, vintage

oxfords, Uniqlo pants and his own blazer.

Mia wears a La Rok vest over an Elizabeth and James jumpsuit (the Beehive) with Burberry shoes.

This page: Mia wears a vintage blazer, American Apparel t-shirt and lace unitard, and Yves Saint Laurent tribute platform pumps. Thom wears American Apparel oxfords and sweater with his own pants. Opposite: Mia wears a Ya Ya Aflalo lace dress (found at stylistla.com) loosely over a Zara shoulder-padded top.

Thom wears an American Apparel viscose t-shirt and circle scarf, Uniqlo pants. Mia wears a vintage lace dress.

WE NEED YOU.

If you’re interested in joining Vantage,contact us and tell us what you [email protected]

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contents 4 6 8 · budget, stick to ordering an entrée. it’s going to set you back $18, but the...

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