SHARLENE CHIU

Holy Fuck that's a good stir-fry!

July 10, 2010

Holy Fuck's Brian Borcherdt not only knows how to create music magic in the studio, but he's also quite the pro in the kitchen. I dropped by Brian's home earlier this year for a taping of In the Kitchen With... Holy F*ck, and we improv'd some badass veggie stir-fry together.

Here's the recipe:

1 package of egg noodles

1 cup of mushrooms

1 bunch of Swiss chard
1 bunch of kale
2 jalapeno peppers

4 garlic cloves
1 slice of ginger

1 package of firm tofu

3 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp flax seeds

Soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garam masala (or whatever spices you like)

Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Let it boil until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, finely dice all the garlic and add to a cast iron pan that has been set on high heat with olive oil. Simmer for 1 minute. Add sliced ginger and jalapeno peppers. Chop the firm tofu into small cubes, add to the garlic, and pan fry until golden. Then add the sliced mushroom and chopped Swiss chard and kale. Sprinkle some soya sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, ground black pepper, and masala spice to taste. Sautée for about 5 minutes.

By the time the noodles are al dente, the veggie stir-fry will be done. Strain the noodles and add to the veggies, toss, and serve. So simple, easy, and healthy.

For more images from our In the Kitchen With... session, check Flickr.

Gridskipper

July 10, 2010

Gridskipper is a really rad travel site with lots of tips, maps, and news to help plan your next trip.

Check it:

New York Love

July 1, 2010

My amazing friends from Austin were in New York to show much love at Voxtrot's final "Goodbye, Cruel World" shows at the Bowery. It was an incredible night of good laughs, crazy dancing and sweet tunes.

On Saturday, the Creators Project event thrown by Vice and Intel was happening at Milk Studios and thanks to my buddy Joseph, who's a badass producer at VBS, I was able to get a pair of wristbands. This was next level shit. Mindblowing exhibits by artists such as Radical Friend, Spike Jonze, and Nick Zinner, and multi-level hot and sweaty intimate performances from tons of acts like Sleigh Bells, Die Antwoord, Gang Gang Dance, Neon Indian, and of course the (not-so) surprise guest, M.I.A. For more photos check the Creators Project blog.

The next day was the Pride parade, and that means one thing... party at Christopher St. My friend Trevor has an amazing apartment on the corner of Christopher and Greenwich, which is where the parade ends, and every year, he throws a mega sweaty house party that starts at noon and ends til we all pass out.

For the party, Ashley and I bought a dozen cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine in the Lower East Side. Lugging the cupcakes and bags of booze through the Pride crowd was definitely tolerance-building.

Just down the street on the weekends is the Hester Street Fair. I read that there was going to be a "Stylist Tent" so was eager to see what finds I would be able to score. Aside from a large Philip Lim dress and a so-so vintage selection, there wasn't really anything "stylist" worthy. So, I got a paprika and gruyère pretzel instead.

New York Sizzle

July 1, 2010

While the G20 was happening in Toronto this weekend, I escaped for a 4-day vacay in steaming hot New York City. Since it was hard to be outside without dripping profusely in sweat, my friends and I kept our cool by shopping in stores with ice cold AC and staying in at our friend Benni's place in the West Village. Here's a couple of restaurants we found refuge in nearby:

In the Chelsea Market:

Ronnybrook

Ronnybrook is actually the place to go to for organic farm dairy, but who wants to drink milk in 93 degree weather? I recommend that you grab a mint lemonade (it looks like wheatgrass but tastes like a virgin mojito).

Amy's Bread

I always get a cinnamon and sugar challah knot when I go to Amy's Bread. It's sweet doughy goodness.

Friedmans Lunch

If you're looking for something more substantial, I love dropping by Friedmans for brunch. The menu is seasonal and on this trip, my friend and I shared The Breakfast Sandwich (scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado, and Monterey Jack cheese on toasted sourdough bread) and the Smoked Salmon Platter. It'll leave you feeling fulfilled and rejuvenated enough to beat the heat.

While at Chelsea Market, you'll see the quirky photos from Dave Mead. You'll recognize the photos from the ones featured at the Mohawke in Austin, TX.

The Standard Grill

Another great brunch spot is at The Standard Grill. The atmosphere when we went was very chill, and the decor is fresh and classic. I recommend starting with the home-raised donuts and the eggs benedict.

For days when we just wanted to stay in our cold apartment, we ordered from Fat Sal's (get the margherita pizza and the baked zeti!) and Westville (the slightly sweet bun on the burgers are so soft and delicious).

I wish I could order ALL of that right now...

Paris, je t'aime

May 30, 2010

I've been lucky enough to have visited Paris several times before, but every time I go back, I discover something new and unsurprisingly chic and delicious. Here's 3 memorable spots from my recent springtime gallivant around Paris:

Marche les Enfants Rouges

39 rue de Bretagne

Marche les Enfants Rouges is located in le Marais and I had an amazing brunch here - made from all organic and fresh produce, pastries, and meat. A lot of places are closed on Sundays in Paris, so hitting a market like this one is a good idea to get some sweet grub.

Canal Saint-Martin

Between Gare du Nord and République

Canal Saint-Martin is stunning in the spring. There's no shortage of people just chilling out by the side and taking in the setting. I also hit this on a Sunday... with a Nutella and banana crepe in hand.

Réciproque‎

95 rue de la Pompe

I didn't leave Paris without multiple stops at Réciproque, a designer vintage haven. Just head down rue de la Pompe, just steps away from the metro stop, and you will hit several Réciproque shops dedicated solely to accessories, bags, clothing, etc. So well-organized with an incredible selectio. My favorite purchase was a beautiful silk Hermés top.

Random ridiculousness for kicks:

The Elle Decoration Suite: Jean Paul Gautier

May 29, 2010

While I was in Paris, I had the honour of getting a private tour of the Elle Decoration Suite at the Cité de l'architecture & du Patrimoine building. The suite is the former apartment of Jacques Carlu, the architect behind the Palais Chaillot in the 1930s, and is now currently designed by French avant-garde designer Jean Paul Gautier. Previously, the space had been decorated by Christian Lacroix and one of my ultimate favs, the brilliant Maison Martin Margiela.

When you first enter the suite, it's a burst of navy stripes. The Lycra fabric is stretched over the furniture and on the walls. I love the little “marine morphing” lounge that disappears in the white canvas. It's like entering a chic nautical funhouse.

Leaving the nautical fantasy, I was met with a breathtaking indoor garden with gorgeous greenery everywhere. Ivy weaves into the sofa and moss, like green velvet, carpets the stone, with plants tumbling down the steps.

Next up: THE BOUDOIR... dripping in nude satins. Luxe is an understatement here. Lingerie lace fishnets the carpet and is mirrored on the window panes, while the corset dress of a fairground doll becomes the bed’s giant quilt.

While walking around the Elle Decoration Suite, it is essential to pay a visit to the rooftop terrace which has one of the best views of Paris and the Eiffel tower. It was raining when I visited, but I still got a good look. In the evening, the chequered mirrored tiles on the floor matched with the lights create a stunning jewelled effect.

Thanks to Claire Gayet of cité de l'architecture at du patrimoine for the inspiring tour!

CITÉ DE L'ARCHITECTURE ET DU PATRIMOINE

1, PLACE DU TROCADÉRO ET DU 11 NOVEMBRE

75116 PARIS FRANCE

TEL +33 (0)1 58 51 52 00

While in Paris, I stayed at the cute Mayet hotel located right by the Duroc metro stop. I found a great deal on Tablet (my go-to site when searching for chic boutique hotels), and was impressed with Mayet's friendly staff and clean rooms. Before I ever book a hotel, I always check Trip Advisor first to avoid any hotel nightmares. Believe me, a few extra minutes of research will save you from a horrible experience.

Ecailler "Chez Georges" Cellerier

Eating in Lyon

May 17, 2010

I have never eaten so well in my entire life than I had when I was in Lyon. There wasn't a day that I wasn't over the moon about the food, which is no surprise since Lyon is the gastronomic capital of Europe.

Here are some places that are worth a bite:

Le KYS

Quai Général-Sarrail, 69006 Lyon, France

Tel:+33 (0)4 78 60 14 37

Le Kys is located on a boat by the Rhone River and has an awesome chilled out vibe. I started with a salad that was topped off with a large goat cheese-filled pastry, then the canard (duck) as my main course, and ended with the best crème brûlée. I also tried the insanely fresh lemon tart and the grenouilles (fried frog legs). It was my first time trying frog legs, and I know you won't believe me, but it really does taste like chicken.

Les Halles Paul Bocuse, 102 Cours Lafayette 69006 Lyon

Tel: +33 (0)4 78 62 37 75

I'm obsessed with Les Halles Paul Bocuse market. They have the freshest produce, seafood, cheese, and pastries. It's here where I had the praline tarts with Thee Oh Sees the other day at the Seve patisserie stall, and also where I came back to have lunch at Ecailler "Chez Georges" Cellerier. This restaurant was made for seafood lovers. I had the Coquille Saint-Jacques "courtin" (baked scallops right in its shell) with Ratatouille, just after slurping down a couple of oysters fresh from the sea.

DOMO

45 quai Rambaud 69002 Lyon, France

Tel: +33 (0)4 37 23 09 23

DOMO is located in the new Confluence neighborhood and is a fusion between Japanese and French cuisine. I had a duck and green bean salad that I still think about often, and a tuna and sea bass combo with the best damn polenta fries I've ever had. Their profiteroles are insanely good too.

Le Bouchon des Berges

7 rue Part Dieu, 69003 Lyon, France

Tel: +33 (0)4 78 62 69 88

Not going to a bouchon in Lyon is like going to the UK and not hitting a pub. I went to des Berges and tried some typical Lyonnaise dishes, which included the quenelle. A quenelle is like a huge fish, chicken or meat gnocchi that is binded with egg, baked, and served with a cream sauce. Not my personal fav, but I had to try it to see what all the hype was about. You also gotta down a couple of bottles of Côtes du Rhône wine with some potato gratin. I did and it's fantastic. The must-order item at des Berges is the Nougat Glacé (nougat ice cream with pistachio).

IWay

4 rue Jean Marcuit, 69009 Lyon, France

Tel: +33 (0)4 37 50 28 70

The IWay restaurant is headed by double Michelin star chef, Jean Christophe Ansanay Alex. Jean took some time out of his busy schedule to meet with me for lunch, and he talked to me about how he started his career and the creative menu at IWay that is updated every couple of months to encourage experimentation.

Jean has been in the restaurant biz for 30 years and remains as passionate today as he did when he started. He offered several suggestions from the menu (all of which I tried), and my favorites were the charcuterie (the red pepper spread FTW), fois gras platter, crab salad, ravioles de ricotta et epinards avec fleurette a la cliboulette et lard fume (the most amazing made fresh to order spinach and ricotta ravioli), paired with filet de fera du lac leman avec legumes glaces a la sarriette (Fera fish fillet from Lake Leman), and the Domo cream of cassis cocktail.

When all was tried and tested, I could hardly move from the unbelievable food experience. Just as I was ready to get up, the waiter delivered some homemade marshmallows (made with rose water, raspberry, and banana). Wow.

Well, now I'm back home in Toronto and getting super hungry as I type this post. Unfortunately, no fois gras, Côtes du Rhône wine, crème brûlée or grenouilles in sight. Hmm... instant noodles it is :(

FOR MORE ON LYON:

Lyon: Day 4 with Uffie and Liars

May 17, 2010

Having spent almost a week in Lyon, it was time to get my shopping fix, so I hit Le Village des Créateurs. Located at Passages Thiaffait, it is a small area occupied by 10 independently run and designed stores. My favs were Vintage Midinette, which is loaded with very Parisian pieces, and Le Tube a Essai, a store run by students from the fashion institute and filled with new designers from around the world. I bought a gorgeous pair of high-waisted paperbag trousers from Romania, a bracelet from China, and a necklace from Lyon at Le Tube a Essai. I always try to buy pieces by local talent from every city I visit, so that was definitely more than well accomplished today.

Having happily spent all my Euros, I picked Uffie up and went to Le Brasserie Georges, a famed Lyon restaurant that is massive and full of atmosphere. It is very French, complete with a live band at the front of the house. It was also a bit of a splurge, but Uffie and I were more than happy to indulge.

We ordered Os à Moelle à la Croque au Sel de Guérande (bone marrow that you spread on bread and top off with crunchy Guerande salt), Escargots de Bourgogne en Coquille (snails from Burgundy drenched in garlic and butter), seafood pasta, a duck plate, and a bottle of this delicious white wine.

While stuffing our faces with food and wine, we chatted about her new album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, her adorable 7-month old daughter Henrietta, and the pressures and stress of her current insanely packed schedule.

The absurd/delicious highlight at Georges was this dessert bomb that had ice cream and cake in the centre with a fluffy meringue shell that was lit on fire. It got completely devoured.

After our huge meal, we went back to Marche Gare, the home of Nuits Sonores, and met up with the hilarious Angus and Aaron from Liars backstage.

After joking about our height difference and how ridiculous we look together (I'm 5'2" and Angus is over 6'5"), we scoured the backstage area and tried some Liars comedy with new friends.

In-person, the personality of Liars is a drastic contrast to the dark and often-described as "creepy" sound of their most recent album, Sisterworld. Angus says that they will be hitting Pop Montreal this year, so look out for that. Aaron also talked about his skills in the kitchen (he's cooked cow tongue for Angus in the past), so don't be surprised if you see me do an edition of In the Kitchen With... Liars one day.

At this point, it was about 1am, so we ran to catch Uffie, saw a bit of Gang of Four, hit the candy table, and ended our amazing run of Nuits Sonores with Liars on the outdoor stage.

Thanks to all the bands who experienced Lyon with me and the tourism office & ATOUT France for making it all come together for us!

FOR MORE ON LYON:

Lyon: Day 3 with Busy P and BEN

May 17, 2010

Currently running right now at the Contemporary Art Museum of Lyon is the extraordinary retrospective exhibit by BEN. The three-level exhibit is a wild experience taking you from his well-known statement pieces like "tout est art" ("all is art" in English) to his stream of conscious work, to these huge structures like the crazy house below (at the very bottom) where every inch has been meticulously detailed with objects that speak to BEN's political and social views.

After having my mind officially blown, I ran over to this crazy little party called Mini Sonores. Nuits Sonores is so passionate and supportive of electronic music that they started a festival to mold and train future festival-goers.

DJing at the inauguration of the event was Ed Banger's Busy P who brought out the jams from Uffie, Daft Punk, and Major Lazer to the riled up crowd of kiddies. Mini Sonores is open to kids aged 4-10, and trust me, these kids put us to shame. They jumped up on top of the deck, climbed on top of Busy P, and surrounded him way past his set was done, encouraging the famed DJ to keep entertaining them.

Tomorrow, I get my indie designer and vintage shopping fill at Le Village des Créateurs, take Uffie out for a fancy dinner at a bouchon, and meet up with Liars backstage to close off Nuits Sonores.

FOR MORE ON LYON:

Lyon: Day 2 at Nuits Sonores

May 17, 2010

Day 2 began with a gorgeous stroll around the old city of Lyon. Here, there are incredible buildings with a strong Italian influence that are connected by these cool passages via alleyways called a "traboule."

It's a pretty rad experience going through these traboules because if it's your first time walking in, you have no idea what to expect at the end of the passage. I can guess that this is probably a very popular make-out spot. My favourite traboule ended with this apartment and abandoned well.

After dinner at Kys along the Rhone River, I hit some Nuits Sonores parties that were also happening on the water. Tsugi's party was INSANE. Even though every corner of Lyon was throwing a party, when we were leaving in the early morning, there was still a huge crowd waiting to get in.

This is me and Marine from the Lyon tourism office getting a taste of why Nuits Sonores is one of the best electronic music fests around.

Tomorrow, we hit the quirky and political BEN exhibit at the Contemporary Art Museum and meet up with Busy P at Mini Sonores (an electronic dance party for kids aged 4-10... amazing).

FOR MORE ON LYON:

Lyon: Day 1 with Almighty Defenders and Thee Oh Sees

May 13, 2010

The 2-hour train ride from Paris to Lyon was absolutely stunning. Right now in Lyon is the Nuits Sonores music festival where acts like Liars, Almighty Defenders, Busy P, and Uffie are performing.

My first introduction to Lyon was meeting up with John and Brigid from Thee Oh Sees and visiting the Parc de la Tete d'Or... I'm definitely not used to this gorgeous setting as a festival backdrop. It was the first time in the French city for all three of us, so it was really nice to be able to experience a day in Lyon together.

Brigid's bike got a flat tire and my bike was way too big for me, so it definitely got interesting. After the park, we went to a massive market called Les Halles Paul Bocuse where we ate the most amazing macarons and a Lyon-specialty called Les Veritables Tartes a la Praline at the Seve patisserie. Don't let the bright blood-red fool you, it's actually really delicious (*note the almost empty box).

After dropping off John and Brigid, I met up with King Khan and Cole from Almighty Defenders for a very appropriate wine-tasting. I had a feeling this would be a good time.

I can't even remember how many different wines we tasted before we asked for the spit-bucket. If you're a wine lover, it is a must to go for a wine-tasting in Lyon. I guarantee you will experience the best wines in your lifetime. I took the boys to Vavro & Co which is owned by a wife and husband duo who were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

From the car ride to the wine-tasting, Cole and King Khan had me in a constant laughing fit. King Khan, the ever-generous dude that he is, insisted I accept his strawberry shower -cap beret and wear it during the tasting. It goes well with the outfit, no?

I was so impressed with Cole's curiosity about the history and emotion of each wine we tasted. Hearing him say: "I can really taste the 10 year old air in this" was the best highlight. He actually ended up buying a 1967 vintage.

After a wine-tasting in Lyon, what else do you do but go out for a swanky dinner, right? The lovely ladies from the tourism office, Sophie and Marine, took us for a swish meal at Silk.

Here are are some shots from Thee Oh Sees show later that night at Marche Gare:

Coming up: look out for posts on where to eat in Lyon, cute places to shop, and of course, more gallivanting around the city with badass bands.

Bonne nuit xx

FOR MORE ON LYON:

3 Travel Saviours

April 30, 2010

As I'm getting ready to embark on another musical travel adventure, I thought I'd share a few things that help make my trips easy and enjoyable.

Samantha Pleet: Rompers

New York's Samantha Pleet is one of the raddest designers out there. I love her eco-friendly vintage-inspired pieces which were showcased by the lovely ladies from Dirty Projectors on their recent tour and Coachella appearance. Last summer, I visited Samantha at her studio in Brooklyn and was able to pick-up a bunch of her beautiful trademark rompers. It takes seconds to throw one on and score a one-of-a-kind look.

HopStop.com: Subway, Bus, and Walking Directions

If you have an iPhone, you can download the HopStop app, or if you're a blackberry user like myself you can access it on your browser or email yourself the directions from HopStop.com. When I only have a few days to spend in a city, I need to know how to get to where I want to go quickly and without large annoying maps getting in the way. With HopStop, you type in your start and end points and it searches the best subway, bus, and/or walking routes for you. Believe me, this will change your life.

Dermalogica: Daylight Defense

I try not to pack full-sized products with me to save space, so the Dermalogica travel kits are just absolute perfection. My personal favs are the multi-active toner, daily microfoliant, and the entire daylight defense kit (SPF is very important when shooting outdoors all day). The bags that the kits come with are great to put make-up and other toiletries in as well.

Coming up: Paris and Lyon

April 29, 2010

Next Friday, I’m flying to Paris for a few days of fun. Then, I’m going to Lyon for a week to produce and host another music travel guide for MTV News: Sharlene VS. Lyon. Get ready, y’all!

Dan Levy and I channeling our inner Parisians, January 2007.

New Travel Diary

April 29, 2010

This is the new spot where I’ll be documenting all the adventures around the world that I willing and lovingly put myself through on a regular basis. Below are previous travel entries of mine from my old blog. Whether they are personal trips or ones at MTV, you’ll find lots of pictures and stories about the ridiculously talented people I meet along the way, and info to help you plan a trip just as badass as mine.

Houston: Day 1 with Slim Thug and Bun B

April 17, 2010

In Houston, I'm staying at the aloft hotel on Westheimer, and it's pretty sweet. I'm a sucker for a hotel with Bliss products in the bathroom. I stashed a few extras to bring home, because I'm like that.

My first thing to do in Houston was to visit the famous Athena Elliott who is the wonder woman of nails in Houston. She recently did Estelle's nails for her latest music video. Athena gave me what's all the rage right now- the 3D nail.

As a demo, Athena worked her magic to create the stiletto 3D nail look first for camera and then filed them down because this girl gotta work.

With my nails all done up, I was ready for a full-night out. Slim Thug came to pick me up at the hotel in his swanky ride and we literally drove just down the street to Club Roxy where a party for his artist J-Dawg was being thrown.

The next morning, Slim Thug met me for some chicken & waffles and catfish & grits at the legendary Breakfast Klub. This was the one must-hit that Slim said I had to absolutely try and he wanted to personally introduce me to it himself. Rumour is that the Breakfast Klub just may make the move to Toronto... and we need it.

With a heavy stomach, I left the Breakfast Klub to head to the north end to Takeover Studios where Bun B is making the finishing touches to his upcoming album Trill OG.

I'm gonna say it right now. Bun B is the dude. Within seconds, Bun's infectious charm and hospitality had me staying at the studio for hours. We went through the history of hip hop in Houston as well as every detail of his new album.

We also talked about how he got introduced to Drake long before Young Money, and the collaborations with the Canadian rapper on Trill OG.

Slim Thug came by the studio to record a verse for Bun's new album. Seeing how tight the Houston community is amazing.

Afterwards, we went to the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

There's a great view of the Houston skyline from the Sabine Bridge just across from the skatepark.

To end my health kick in Houston, we visited City Crescent Beignets where they make 'em fresh to order.

Houston: Day 2 with Bun B

April 17, 2010

Day 2 started at Mo Mo's Chicken & Waffles in the historic 5th ward. In true Southern hospitality, after spending a day in the studio, Bun took me out for some real chicken & waffles at his new favorite joint.

We chatted about the revitalization of the neighborhood while I cleaned up my plate.

Bun is incredibly motivational and such a positive force. It's inspirational to see him speak with so much passion about remembering his roots and working as much as he can to help the youth of Houston so that the next generation of music-makers have a strong base to jump off of.

Afterwards, Bun got some chicken & waffles to-go and went to meet his wife for a Death at a Funeral movie date. So cute.

Austin: Day 3 with Shearwater and Grupo Fantasma

April 15, 2010

Day 3 started with a visit to Thor from Shearwater's incredible home. Actually, "incredible" is an understatement. There is no way if you're driving by his street that you will miss it. Every inch of this space was made from scratch by Thor himself.

Inside, Thor got a bunch of Rio Texas grapefruits and made me the most deliciously sweet grapefruit juice I have ever had.

Meanwhile, Jonathan helped set-up an acoustic performance that was just made perfect by the peaceful homey surrounding.

After leaving Thor's, Jonathan was super stoked to take me to the Natural History Museum at the University of Texas. Jonathan, who graduated from UT, is a huge nature nut (their latest album is called The Golden Archipelago) and it was amazing to see his passion and curiosity of all living things, past and present.

Then, we drove over to South Austin Music where Jonathan had a guitar that needed to be dropped off for mending.

For our final stop, we thought it would be cool to go visit Mohawk's where Shearwater played a lot of their early shows. On our way downtown, we made a pitstop at the original Sandy's where Jonathan treated me to an old-fashioned vanilla cone. The hospitality of the people here in Austin continues to blow me away.

At Mohawk's, Thor joined us as we walked around the venue and recounted some good gigs that took place there.

After a full day with Shearwater, we went and got our bbq fill at Iron Works. When in Austin, baby!

Watch the Shearwater Guide to Austin (starts around the middle mark):

And just because I didn't eat enough, I met up with Adrian and Greg from such bands as Grupo Fantasa, Brownout! and Ocote Soul Sounds, at Polvo's for some true Mexican. I highly recommend the fish tacos and margaritas here.

To end my last night in Austin, the lovely ladies from Giant Noise and the Austin CVB set up an evening at one of my favourite Austin spots, Hotel Saint Cecilia, for drinks with Zoe (the "it" girl of the U21 scene in Austin), Mother Falcon, and the beautifully talented singer-songwriter, Amy Cook. Her new album is called Let The Light In.

Thank you Austin for another unforgettable stay! xx

Austin: Day 2 with Octopus Project

April 14, 2010

Day 2 started with perfect weather. About 23-25 celsius, sunny with an occasional cool breeze. Since I'm not used to this ideal weather, I wanted to take full advantage of it by visiting the Auditorium Shores by Lady Bird Lake. There's a really rad bike trail and a great space to take your dog in for a dip.

The iconic Stevie Ray statue is located here, so I took my best tourist shot right by it.

Next, I met up with the Octopus Project (whom I saw perform the night before at the Highball) at Prototype Vintage. You know I 'm a sucker for a good vintage find, so I picked up a pretty suede clutch. Yvonne scored a pair of killer cream-colored leather boots. I may or may not have had an influence in that purchase. "Forget it, just get it."

To make sure we got the best of this weather, it was a must to hang out at Barton Springs. It gets pretty hot here in Austin in the summer, so this is the spot where the locals come to cool off. The waters stays around a sweet 65 degrees, even in the height of the heat.

At Barton Springs, we chatted about the new album Octopus Project is working on (they've done the writing and about to head into recording).

After soaking up some much needed sun, we headed to the most badass cinema there is- the Alamo Drafthouse.

It takes old school to the max. They've got a great selection of big box office flicks mixed in with independent and international films... AND you can order, drink and eat right at your seat- they bring it all to you.

Just down the street, was my food highlight of the trip so far: Uchi. Trey who is the head chef at Uchi was also on Iron Chef (where he was robbed of the title, as any Austinite will tell you). It's a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. We tried about 7 different dishes and every one of them, I completely ate my share and loved.

The dishes are not typical of a sushi restaurant. It's Japanese with an Austin fusion. For example, the M aguro Sashimi is prepared with goat cheese with cracked pepper, fuji apple and pumpkin seed oil. Imagine that for a second... and it's about ten times more delicious. I wish I could take Uchi home to Toronto with me.

The awful picture above is from my bb of the Machi Cure with maplewood-smoked baby yellowtail with yucca chips, Asian pear, marcona almonds and garlic brittle. This dish was created by Chef Trey on Iron Chef, and was so popular that it made it as a permanent feature on the menu at Uchi.