July 31, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I’ve been watching them build, design, remodel this place every weekend on my weekend rides. I ride right by it on Rose on my way to the beach. I’m so happy it’s finally open and running. And it looks pretty cool too!
Superba Sn… — I’ve been watching them build, design, remodel this place every weekend on my weekend rides. I ride right by it on Rose on my way to the beach. I’m so happy it’s finally open and running. And it looks pretty cool too!

**Superba Snack Bar**

If there’s an Italian grandmother anywhere near you right now, tell her to look away.

Go ahead. We’ll wait. (And we won’t ask why you’re hanging out with Italian grandmothers.)

Okay. So there’s a new spot in Venice that’s getting sort of blasphemous with their pasta. As in… they’re spiking it.

Introducing *Superba Snack Bar*, an open-air cube of scallops, beer sangria and, yes, spiked pasta, opening Thursday in Venice.

Just look for a sign that looks like it’s made up of big Scrabble tiles: S-U-P-E-R-B-A. Hey, that’s 13 points. Also, it marks the place you’ll want to go with a bunch of friends after a leisurely beach day, when everybody’s hungry for fried duck eggs, sweet corn gazpacho and futuristic pasta—the rigatoni’s made with rye, there’s amaro in the agnolotti sauce—from Jason Neroni (Osteria La Buca). To drink: beer sangria, an unholy mix of Belgian white ale, prosecco and apricot juice. Or just… a beer.

Technically, you could down this stuff inside or outside. Inside goes full loft-dweller (funky wallpaper, chrome-heavy open kitchen, towering ceilings), and the patio looks like a pool deck, with a row of teal-tile seating. Un-technically, though, the wall of windows between the two spaces will usually be opened up entirely, so it’s one big, breezy spiked-pasta party.

No need to let technicalities get in the way of spiked pasta.

tags / dine, food, foodie, la, los angeles, superba snack bar, urban daddy

Olympics

July 31, 2012 / Heather Somaini

I’ve now watched Judo, Soccer, Equestrian whatever you call it, Swimming, Water Polo, Beach Volleyball, Handball, Crew/Rowing….the Olympics are pretty awesome!

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tags / olympics

July 31, 2012 / Heather Somaini

How much fun is this little Batmobile documentary?

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tags / batman, batmobile

July 31, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“Your success in life will be in direct proportion to what you do after you do what you are expected to do.”

— Speaker and Writer, Brian Tracy

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July 26, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.”

— Author, Sally Koch

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July 24, 2012 / Heather Somaini

I like cool things. And cool things are things I get excited about. Something new, different, unique, smart, efficient, beautiful, delicious. I love cycling and the Rapha brand. I like efficient cars and recently upgraded from my 2006 Prius to a 2012 Plug-In Prius. I love food and have started to recently OD on Coolhaus gourmet ice cream sandwiches. I post things here because I’m convinced there are other people, like me, who love these same things. Tell me, what do you love?

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tags / rapha, cycling, cycle, bike, bicycle, road bike, road cycling, bicycling, biking, prius, plug in prius, toyota, coolhaus

July 24, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

So I got an email the other day from someone at COOL MATERIAL asking that I not re-blog their posts. I responded that I link to them and make it very clear that I’m not trying to plagiarize or anything and if even a few of the people who thin… — So I got an email the other day from someone at COOL MATERIAL asking that I not re-blog their posts. I responded that I link to them and make it very clear that I’m not trying to plagiarize or anything and if even a few of the people who think my posts are cool go to their site, isn’t that a good thing? Cool Material now has every way imaginable to re-blog and share their posts. Hmmmm….ok. He could have at least responded to my email and said something nice.

*Here are some t-shirts they like. Do we?*

**Gap Olympic Village**

In less than two weeks, the London 2012 Olympic Games will be under way. Fans of the world’s biggest round of summer competitions are already embracing the hype. This perfectly vintage collection of tees from Gap pays homage to past games, because sporting gear from this year’s event would be like wearing the band t-shirt to the concert. **$30**

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tags / cool material

July 24, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I’m not sure what I think of these. I love smores. I love muffins. But do I love them together? Someone tell me if you’ve had them and what you think!
S'muffins
And now, a brief history of muffin-shaped s’mores.…Let’s start ov… — *I’m not sure what I think of these. I love smores. I love muffins. But do I love them together? Someone tell me if you’ve had them and what you think!*

**S'muffins**

And now, a brief history of muffin-shaped s’mores.

…

Let’s start over.

Presenting *S’muffins*, a new breakthrough in marshmallow and graham cracker technology that involves turning your favorite campfire… okay, they’re muffin-shaped s’mores. And they’re available online now for the first time ever outside of their birthplace in LA.

This is the story of a California girl named Carmen who left her career in ad sales to make delicious things. Actually, scratch that. This is the story of how s’mores just got a lot less labor intensive. And a lot more filled with chocolate ganache and sea-salt caramel.

The whole thing will go down like this: 1) Plan a camping trip. Or a bonfire near a very large, very salty body of water. 2) Go online and find the website that has s’muffins (hint: there’s only one). 3) Get excited.

Because soon enough, a box will arrive at your door. Its contents: some dry ice. Also, a dozen muffin-shaped concoctions made by taking thick graham-cracker crusts filled with anything from peanut butter to cookies and cream, dipping them in dark chocolate and topping them with roasted marshmallows.

Oh, and if you ask nicely, you may be able to talk Carmen into customizing a few of these things for you. For, like, a birthday or an office party.

Or for, like, a really small stripper to pop out of.

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July 24, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

The latest edition in the Drago family of restaurants has hit LA. It HAS to be good! I’m a big Drago fan although I don’t get to go much. Check it out and let me know how it is!
Osteria Drago
There is a time and a place for lasagna.Th… — *The latest edition in the Drago family of restaurants has hit LA. It HAS to be good! I’m a big Drago fan although I don’t get to go much. Check it out and let me know how it is!*

**Osteria Drago**

There is a time and a place for lasagna.

The time is always.

And the new place is *Osteria Drago*, an airy hideout of Italian-ness from one of the city’s most trusted masters of marinara, now soft-open on the Sunset Strip.

You’ll find this place in the former home of Il Sole, but a few things have changed. First, it looks more like a beachy little find on the Amalfi Coast, with white walls, bleached woods, a smooth marble bar and a deep, deep wine list.

And maybe most importantly, the new man behind this is Celestino Drago, who’s served you more power dinners of osso buco and sangiovese at Drago Centro these last few years than your accountant would care to tabulate.

Which doesn’t mean you’re stopping with the power dinners. Next time you’re meeting your client in WeHo rather than Downtown—here you go. All the squid-ink spaghetti and spinach lasagna with prosciutto and reggiano you could want.

If you need privacy for your meeting, the place is full of quiet corners—there are three interconnected little coves and an intimate front porch. All of which, we should note, translate nicely into a date-type situation.

Or even just an actual date.

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tags / drago, osteria drago, urban daddy

July 24, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I just think this LOOKS really cool. Who knows if you fall off the side of the hill or not….
A Sexy Cube Above a Mexican Vineyard
And now, a quick test of your spirits knowledge.Guess which one exists:A) Mexican merlot.B) Norwegian tequila.C… — *I just think this LOOKS really cool. Who knows if you fall off the side of the hill or not….*

**A Sexy Cube Above a Mexican Vineyard**

And now, a quick test of your spirits knowledge.

Guess which one exists:

A) Mexican merlot.
B) Norwegian tequila.
C) Guatemalan champagne.

If you’re still unsure, you clearly haven’t lived… at least not in a cube suspended above Mexican wine country.

Introducing *Endémico*, a new collection of well-appointed cube dwellings built into the mountains of Mexico’s hidden vineyards, opening today in Valle de Guadalupe.

If you’re looking to ditch your troubles and fall off the grid/wagon for a while, Mexican wine country is your play. You’ll live in a 200-square-foot box—actually, a modish cabin sticking up from boulders on stilts, with a wall of glass overlooking the sprawling vineyards below, and a wine cooler from which you can sample its many fruits.

You’ll rise in the afternoon and toast your late-summer fling with a glass of grenache on your private sundeck (don’t worry: you’ll be given complimentary sombreros at check-in). Between wine classes and day trips to Tijuana, you’ll have your hands full, which is why you should set aside some time to just frolic in a Hollywood Hills–style infinity pool that spills over a cliff’s edge and feast on *Chocolata Clam au Gratin* from the hotel’s restaurant.

Which pretty much covers the wine-pairing food groups.

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tags / urban daddy

July 23, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“When you are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing that one of two things will happen; There will be something solid to stand on or you will immediately learn to fly.”

— Patrick Overton

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July 20, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

How cute is this??
(via Goodly Whale Bottle Opener | Cool Material)
While we used to recall the adventures of Ahab, now upon seeing a whale we immediately think one thing: Twitter is down. Next time you get the ole Fail Whale and you can’t access th… — *How cute is this??*

(via Goodly Whale Bottle Opener | Cool Material)

While we used to recall the adventures of Ahab, now upon seeing a whale we immediately think one thing: Twitter is down. Next time you get the ole Fail Whale and you can’t access the best of Doug Benson’s #SideBoobSunday or the latest celebrity death rumor, take the edge off with a cold one cracked open with the Goodly Whale Bottle Opener. The handmade, silver plated brass bottle opener adds a bit of childish fun to your adult drinking habits and makes for a better opener than any freebie you got at the last Quizzo night from some shot girl. **$24**

Read more: Goodly Whale Bottle Opener | Cool Material http://coolmaterial.com/home/goodly-whale-bottle-opener/#ixzz21Drqjgk2

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July 20, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

(via Flygrip | Cool Material)
As a people, we’re starting to become skilled multitaskers. Sure there are still those that text and walk into walls or mall fountains, but on a whole, we’re getting there. Little innovations like the Flygrip are helpin… — (via Flygrip | Cool Material)

As a people, we’re starting to become skilled multitaskers. Sure there are still those that text and walk into walls or mall fountains, but on a whole, we’re getting there. Little innovations like the Flygrip are helping. If you’re as addicted to your cell as we are (we check email in the bathroom… don’t judge us), this little clip should be on your purchase list. By comfortably holding two of your fingers in place on the back of your phone, the Flygrip allows you to use your thumb for swiping and tapping. Finally one-handed iPhone use without the fear of dropping it in the toilet. **$30**

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July 20, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

(via To A Tee: Gap Threadless | Cool Material)

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Clink! Glass

July 20, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I love all the whiskey/scotch glasses that are coming out these days. I want them all!

Clink! Glass

There’s a sweet spot we hit on most nights out. It’s usually around three drinks in when all of a sudden our darts start hitting exactly where we’re aiming them and our shuffleboard pucks hang perfectly off the edge every time we toss one. One more drink and our skills are lost and any less […]

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July 16, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“The road to success is always under construction.”

— Actress and Comedian, Lilly Tomlin

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tags / lilly tomlin

July 13, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I used to shop at this hardware store every now and then - very curious to see how it is as a restaurant!
Laurel Hardware
Nails. A hammer. A thing to attach a doohickey to another thing.These are things you find at a hardware store.Pork belly. Gin. … — *I used to shop at this hardware store every now and then - very curious to see how it is as a restaurant!*

**Laurel Hardware**

Nails. A hammer. A thing to attach a doohickey to another thing.

These are things you find at a hardware store.

Pork belly. Gin. A magical courtyard.

These are things you do not find at a hardware store.

Until—you guessed it—now.

Take a look at the rustic splendor of *Laurel Hardware*—a secret garden of red meats and infused cocktails under the sign of an old hardware store—soft-open today in West Hollywood.

First, yes, this used to be a legit hardware store, and that’s the old sign still overhead out front. Only now, you probably shouldn’t show up in a tool belt.

Because what’s inside is rather stunning. Up front is pretty nice and all, with a large, white counter and the promise of a hearty lunch. Nothing wrong there.

But down the hall at the back is what’ll really grab you—a big, sexy space with roomy booths, houndstooth lounge chairs and wood floors from the Coney Island boardwalk. If you’re here with a bunch of friends to grab some eggplant pizza, soft-shell crab and grilled peaches over profound discussion about plastering, take over one of the communal tables.

But most importantly, this place could come in handy for a date-type situation. Because even farther back is a totally hidden little courtyard filled with *Tuscan Sunsets* (gin, lemon, Aperol, Thai basil and black peppercorn) and ancient olive trees.

No assembly required.

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tags / urban daddy, laurel hardware, los angeles, west hollywood, food, foodie, dine

July 13, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Hmmm….I suddenly feel the need to work construction on a skyscraper.
Traditional Metal Lunchbox
If you brown bag it everyday and don’t work on a construction site, we’re guessing your lunch holster is pretty lame. It’s not your fault, there’s… — *Hmmm….I suddenly feel the need to work construction on a skyscraper.*

**Traditional Metal Lunchbox**

If you brown bag it everyday and don’t work on a construction site, we’re guessing your lunch holster is pretty lame. It’s not your fault, there’s just not a lot of ways to appear like an adult when you’ve got a literal brown bag or a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lunchbox. Keep the cartoon thermos case for humorous occasions and upgrade your lunch game with the Traditional Metal Lunchbox. Just like the the lunchboxes guys used to use when high up on some scaffolding, the Traditional Metal Lunchbox looks like a repurposed toolkit. Since each aluminum lunchbox is made by hand, each is unique and we guarantee none come with a picture of Optimus Prime on them (even though that would be kinda awesome). **$66**

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tags / cool material

July 13, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Cool Material clearing has a “thing” for headphones but these look really cool….
Parrot Zik Wireless Headphones
If you haven’t been able to tell recently, we’ve kinda got an unhealthy obsession with headphones. We gladly sifted th… — *Cool Material clearing has a “thing” for headphones but these look really cool….*

**Parrot Zik Wireless Headphones**

If you haven’t been able to tell recently, we’ve kinda got an unhealthy obsession with headphones. We gladly sifted through tons to put this together, and here we are less than a week later with another pair we gotta tell you about. Parrot’s offering is jam-packed with goodies. They’ve got an awesome touch sensitive control panel on the right ear, active noise cancellation and two microphones, but really that’s just scratching the surface of what makes them worthy of their price tag. The Zik headphones also happen to be the first pair of cans on the market with integrated near field communication technology (just touch a compatible device to the left ear) and they even improve phone calls by detecting your jaw movements in an effort to eliminate noise around you. Basically, they’re loaded with awesomeness. **$399** Source

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tags / parrot zik, wireless headphones, headphones, cool material

July 13, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I think Mike Tompkins is brilliant. Here’s another example…

Mike Tompkins: Skrillex and Santigold Voice Mashup

Plenty of people have gotten famous because of YouTube, but few of them are as talented as Mike Tompkins. Part beatbox, part Ableton jockey and part expert Dubstep face maker, Tompkins combined Skrillex and Santigold in a way that would make both original artists proud. And he did it using only sounds created with his mouth. When was the last time you did something this productive using only your mouth?

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tags / mike tompkins, skrillex, santigold