Half-Caff, Extra Froth, Hold the Neurotoxin


As I reached for the milk container at the Starbucks at the far end of LAX's Terminal 1, there it was: 

According to the warning, and the Prop 65 website, coffee contains acrylamide (a chemical known to cause cancer). It is classified as a neurotoxin, and per a report by the U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA), "several laboratory animal studies have shown that acrylamide causes a variety of tumors in rats and mice."


According to a lawsuit filed by the Committee for Education and Research on Toxics (CERT), a single 12 oz. cup of coffee “contains anywhere from four to 100 times the No Significant Risk Level for acrylamide established by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.”

Apparently, coffee has always contained this chemical.  The Prop 65 warning itself says that acrylamide is not a chemical added to coffee or any products, but rather created during the roasting of beans. This apparently is the case for coffee we make at home too.* 

Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The Proposition was intended by its authors to protect California citizens and the State's drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals.

There was something slightly less-delicious about my coffee that morning. But it was an early flight, so I I drank it - armed with a renewed sense of skepticism. Everything can kill us. Even Starbucks.

*Source: http://www.lovelifewitheo.com/?p=2436

I Know What you Meme


Epic. 


I'll stop talking now. 

Signed. Sealed. Delivered. 



Just in time for summer, a dangerous new addition to the Manhattan Beach dining scene. 


Enter Manhattan Beach (M.B.) Post. Think of it as Simmzy's older, slightly more sophisticated brother. 


Occupying what was formerly the space of the lackluster Memphis restaurant and "hotspot," Towne, M.B. Post is a new "social house" that draws inspiration from the history of the building, an old post office. The design is open, welcoming. Faded Americana stencils adorn the cement walls - an homage to an era gone by, when people actually mailed letters. Unfinished, mismatched wood adds a cool, informal touch to the bar area. If it's possible to be casual, yet refined, M.B. Post nails it.


The service staff is knowledgeable, and dare I say, sweet. We detected zero attitude, and everyone from the bartender, the busboys and even the chef, David LeFevre, (formerly of downtown's Water Grill), were warm, helpful and accommodating.


Finally, the FOOD.  The menu is beyond inspired with creative dishes like steamed mussels in green curry, steamed Thai Snapper, Vietnamese Caramel Pork Jowl with green papaya salad, lime and ¡Albóndigas! with garnet yam puree, shishitos, maple-miso glaze. The drink menu includes craft cocktails with fresh ingredients like rosemary and muddled raspberries, an extensive wine list (Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc!); and a nice selection of beers, including some hard-to-find IPAs.


M.B. Post has upped the ante. For out-of-towners, it's the first restaurant worth making the long trek to the South Bay for and, for the locals FINALLY a great go-to restaurant besides Simmzy's. 
  
"This new Manhattan Beach American bistro from a Water Grill vet rocks an upscale barn vibe thanks to exposed rafters and bleached-wood common tables." - Thrillist 


M.B. Post
1140 Manhattan Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266-5332(310) 545-5405 ‎

Avoid the 405


On July 16 and 17 the 405 freeway will be closed for 53 hours. 
That's right, as part of the 1-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project, one of the most congested highways in the world will close to allow for upgrades on a 10-mile stretch between Interstate 10 and Highway 101.

The Project will add a 10-mile HOV lane and improve supporting infrastructure such as ramps, bridges and sound walls on the San Diego Fwy. (I-405); while widening lanes from the Santa Monica Fwy. (I-10) to the Ventura Fwy. (US-101).

Angelenos are urged to plan ahead and/or get out of dodge in preparation for the closure.


"... the point is there's gridlock on the 405 at virtually any time of the day, but particularly during the rush hour. And, if you think it's bad now, let me just make something absolutely clear. On July 16 and 17, it will be an absolute nightmare and that's why we're asking the public to plan ahead, to avoid the area, to not go on the 405, or anywhere close, during that period of time." 


- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Taste of L.A. 

   

Tickets are now on sale for the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine’s THE TASTE, the unprecedented, citywide event taking place over Labor Day weekend. This wine and food festival includes nine signature events to be held throughout Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Downtown L.A.  Many of the culinary world’s biggest stars will host the gastronomic affairs including renowned chefs Roy Choi, Duff Goldman and Ray Garcia, along with previously announced chefs including Giada De Laurentiis, Scott Conant, Art Smith, Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Voltaggio, Claire Robinson, Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos. For more information and tickets, visit www.latimes.com/THETASTE, Facebook.com/LATimesEvents or follow the festival on Twitter: @LATimesEvents.