Ludo Bites at Gram and Papa's with a Side of Leopard

Since our last Ludo Bites adventure, The Brown Devil and Chef Ludo have become bffs. Makes sense. They are both pimps and LOVE them some food.



Their budding bromance was the only reason we were able to score a last minute Ludo Bites 5.0 reservation for my birthday. The day after this amazing fawning NY Times review ran.


The Brown Devil sure knows how to spoil a girl. 



The menu for the fifth Ludo pop-up sounded as mouth-watering and revolutionary as ever.



I could see the fear in the eyes of Ludo first-timer and historically non-foodie Mr. Diabolina.



But with the encouragement of two of his favorite piggies, he surrendered to the delicious.



First a cheese cupcake with a foie-gras chicken liver frosting. I could have eaten 8 of them.


Naan with salted coconut butter




Goat cheese Soup, Bacon, Lardo, Tofu, Green Apple, Frisee Salad.  Insane!


Poached Egg, Potato Mousseline, Chorizo Condiment.  My favorite.




Heirloom Tomato Smoothie, Ice Dashi, Squid Ink Vodka-Gelee, Seaweed.  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT??




Confit pork belly, raw choucroute thai style and mustard ice cream. Texture for days.


Wild Striped Bass, Yellow Corn Mexican Style, Fresh Wasabi Salsa.  Best fish I've ever eaten





Grilled Octopus, Oregano, Grilled Hazelnut Polenta, Pineapple Aioli and Piment D' Espellette Gelee


A certain architect liked it. Alot.




Steamed Duck Lemon Verbena, Crispy Skin Puree, White Peach, Radish and Balsamic.  Can never go wrong with duck.




And for dessert Campfire Smoked S'mores with guacamole sorbet.  I wanted s'more.


Matcha Green Tea Almond Cake, Red Berries, and Mascarpone Mousse.  Beyond.





Carmel Souffle, Blanco Grapefruit with Fleur de Sel Ice Cream. Perfection.



I was one happy and stuffed birthday girl. Thank goodness Mrs. Brown Devil and I met in grad school.  Can't believe we became friends 10 years ago this summer. Heart.


To get my b-day pigging on, I wore a loose tush covering top over my new stretchy H&M jeggings ($14 and my favorite leggings ever!!!!) Sassed things up for hot totty Chef Ludo with the Elizabeth & James heels, the Van Cleef-esque necklace and my favorite YSL leopard bag.



Leopard bags are probably the only thing as delicious as Ludo's food :)











If you are a pig, make sure to visit http://www.ludolefebvre.com/ludo-bites/ and sign up for updates.

And for a tasty breakfast and lunch spot when you are in Downtown L.A., hit up http://www.gramandpapas.com/

Partying with Forever 21, Brian Lichtenberg & L.A. bloggers

LA-based designer Brian Lichtenberg designs have been described as "what Apollonia might wear for a guest role on Dynasty." For those of you too young to get the 80s references: that means he's all about glitz, glam and, um, geometry.





He designed the caution tape look for Lady Gaga's “Telephone” video and now he’s bringing his avant-garde aesthetic to Forever 21 with the first ever designer/F21 collaboration.






Last Thursday LA-based Forever 21 threw a red carpet launch party.  The designer himself attended and even judged a DIY customized tee contest.












I snagged an invite thanks to my lover-ly Fashion Intel who was consulting with Forever 21 for the launch. SO AMAZING.  So incredibly proud of her!



Great excuse to meet up with some of L.A.'s hottest bloggers who I crush on





Like Love Angeles 




Inny Vinny and The Mop Top Maven



Soupersam



HisHersChicago



and the Racked LA ladies



But bestie of the night award goes to my fellow thirtysomething Fashion Intel's sweetheart, Asael.  We giggled all night, gabbing like old yentas about our advanced age, skinny jeans, trick questions, the power of blogging and what we would do if Fashion Toast walked into the party (number two in our pants is involved.)  I also may have grilled him about his intentions with my dear Fashion Intel.  And he may have consulted with me on a name for HIS upcoming fashion blog.  AAAAdore!





Dressing for the par-tay was a challenge - not gonna lie.  First of all, I was up the entire previous night with a sick Mr. Diabolina, poor baby.  So I did NOT  feel my cutest.
PLUS, I knew the event would be teeming with pretty YOUNG things.  They would be the kind of fashionable that is more about experimenting and personal style than labels and trends.  A tough prospect when you are feeling anything but fabulous and fit. F!














Finally, the party was happening on the roof of the Bev Cen.  Which was the site of last fall's Sartorialist book signing. Where I had to stand in line. In a food court. Under flourscent lighting. 

So even though I wanted to wear over-the-top Gaga sequins, I decided to wear a pretty, simple Hera dress with Dolce and Gabbana leopard heels.

Also resolved to take myself MUCH less seriously than I did when I was 21 ;)

Bought the dress resale last month for less than $80 at The Address Boutique in Santa Monica. Love the peek-a-boo black with the flesh tone.  And the fact that tulle creates a lace-y look. Sweetly sexy. Will work well into fall with a blazer, boots and tights.

It ended up being very Teen Choice Awards. Which was appropriate.  Since I felt like the average (taut) age of the attendees at the F21 was late teens.











I can guarantee none of the partygoers had worn the same outfit to celebrate her 33rd birthday a few weeks earlier. At Tavern for a mommy brunch in the morning.








And an AMAH-zing family dinner of lobster and peaches at Little Door in the evening.









Which actually made me excited for all the pretty twentysomething F21 kitties.  So much for them to still learn and live and love.

So many more gift bags and rooftop parties and magical nights ahead!

More party coverage on The Skinny, Style Section LA, Mondette and Racked LA!