martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924

jay and silent bob's secret stash

If you're a geek, love a geek or just happen to be a fan of Kevin Smith and his films, this is the joint for you.

Great selection of comics, from the new stuff to the classics. They had Charles Schultz' Complete Peanuts in addition to a well-stocked new arrivals section. More Smith movie memorabilia and collectables than you could shake a stick at - most of which has been signed by the man himself.

If you're looking for a hard to find Mooby or Gay & Silent Bob t-shirt, they'll have it - very cleverly displayed and stored in a wall of pull-out file drawers that would make Martha Stewart proud.

Don't miss the collection of bobbleheads. My personal pick is Buddy Christ :)

To their credit, prices were reasonable, there was lots of fun stuff to check out (even if you're not an enthusiast), and they've done an amazing job having fun with the space. Only complaint - the staff. This is the kind of place for fans that you'd expect to be run by fans. The guy behind the counter was lackluster and humorless, and when queried on out of stock product, just nodded his head in agreement and didn't even offer an arrival date. Made me think of a college kid working a job he had no interest in because he really needed the money. He got two thumbs down - from Beer and Buddy Christ.

Secret Stash
1045 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-1373

bj's restaurant & brewery

For starters, this place is called BJ's, so I'll do my best to refrain from the Beavis and Butthead jokes.

We ducked in today for lunch after snooping around at Secret Stash because Beer recalled having some sort of orgasmic dessert experience at another one of their locations. We were seated at one of the few tables upstairs, which was awkward but all that was available, and ordered the Avocado Egg Roll appetizer. Despite the sauce being too sweet (even for me) they were crispy and yummy (but then, I'm of the mind that you could deep fry a leather shoe and it would be good). They were a lot like the ones at Cheesecake Factory, but with the addition of bacon (I'm also of the mind that everything is better with bacon). Beer ordered the Roast Beef Dip and I had the BBQ Chicken Salad. After a long wait for the egg rolls, the main courses were up and our server rushed us through them so she could clear the plate and make room on the tiny table. He said the roast beef was bland and rubbery and the roll was soggy on the inside and over crisped on the outside. The battered fries and horseradish creme were much better, but not enough to salvage the meal. As for my salad, had there actually been any BBQ chicken in it, it might have been great. It was mostly chopped iceberg lettuce with a few kernels of corn, some black beans, jicama, tomatoes, and a few chunks of bland grilled chicken. Had they tossed half the lettuce, added more of the remaining ingredients and actually included some BBQ chicken, it would have been a worthy meal of a salad.

Food aside, we both had the Blonde brew which wasn't bad on a warm day if you're in the mood for a pale ale. Sadly, we were so bummed with our food and service, we passed on their signature Pizookie dessert (a giant deep dish baked cookie topped with ice cream). Beer didn't even want to finish his fries ... never a good sign.

For more than an appetizer and some suds, we would have been better off at Le Pain Quotidien or CPK - both next door. So would you.

939 Broxton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 209-7475