MAY-AUG. 2007: EVENT REPORTS/RECAP

Aug. 18--20: THE 2007 WESTERN FOODSERVICE and HOSPITALITY EXPO returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center. A great multi-faceted annual trade show that caters (pun intended) to the Cal foodservice industry. Details here. Also see the show site or call 800-840-5612. BEST BET

The KCRW 2007 Fall Pledge Drive just ended. But you can still give! Come on, you know you listen all day and night, GIVE why doncha. Call 800-600-KCRW and subscribe, or do it online at kcrw.com

DR STRANGELOVE (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb), Stanley Kubrick's 1964 classic, was presented at The Landmark in a fully restored, remastered, ultra-high-resolution 4K digital presentation! Exclusive 4K projectors offered four times the resolution of standard digital presentations.
The new Landmark features a wine bar, a retail area and - the best part - five levels of parking with over 3000 FREE parking spaces! Yes, FREE. Next to Barnes and Noble, Pico at Westwood Blvds.

We've heard great things about: MONSIEUR CHOPIN - part 2 of a musical trilogy that began with George Gershwin Alone. At the Geffen Playhouse

See highlights of the LIVE EARTH concerts: liveearth.msn.com

The Santa Monica International Film Festival, a celebration of powerful independent films and red carpet events, wrapped on Aug. 6 with a casual awards party at SM's hot eatery Makai. SMIFF was an environmentally conscious event (did you know they did not print anything, no invites, nada - it was all email and other digital solutions - kudos to SMFF head David Katz). The weekend long competition festival, featuring films from around the world, also included a free screenplay writing seminar sponsored by Writers Boot Camp, and an advanced screening of Leonardo "Al Gore Jr." DiCaprio's environmental documentary The 11th Hour (coming to Los Angeles theaters August 17). For info on SMIFF for next year please see smfilmfestival.com.

RED MANGO is now open on Weyburn in Westwood Village. Some say their frozen yogurt is creamier than their main competitor Pinkberry (which is right down the street). The LA Report loves the yogurt at Kiwiberri (3rd St just off La Cienega). Let the FroYo Wars begin! redmangousa.com

June 28: saw Sahl-apalooza at the Wadsworth. Terrific top comedians paid tribute to Mort Sahl for his 80th birthday. more>

June 21, The Courage of Conscience Awards. The Agape Int'l Spiritual Center joined The Peace Abbey of Sherborn, MA and Brahama Kumaris World Spiritual University (headquartered in Mt. Abu, India) honors courageous men and women of conscience. These 3 organizations - exemplified by the evening's award recipients - honored our potential to make a difference in our community, nation and the world.

June 3 at Bergamot Station, the ART FOR CLARE benefit took place. Dozens of artist works were displayed and auctioned off, while delicious food and libations were enjoyed by guests on a perfect Santa Monica Sunday.

May 24: The Valley Cultural Center’s 8th Annual Food, Wine & Microbrew Festival was held at Westfield Promenade Mall, a huge success. Hundreds attended, bid on great live auction items (like flying a fighter plane!), and enjoyed dozens of exhibits featuring food, libations, and silent auction items. Our fave booths included uWink (cool eatery and bar located in same mall, open late - to 2am on weekends - features video games on steroids and great food, founded by Nolan Bushnell, who created Pong and Chuck E. Cheese!), Ruby's (best shakes and burgers!), BJ's (great pizza and pasta), Trader Joes (coconut shrimp!), Follow Your Heart (veg food that tastes great) and tons more. More VCC info: valleycultural.org.

May 19, LACE Annual Benefit Art Auction. A few hundred artlovers came out to peruse and bid on some amazing artwork (we liked the "I Used To Be Vegetarian" stencil-like piece, and the detailed photo of the dude who poses for pix as Superman on Hollywood Blvd - his pad has more Supermannish collectibles than Jerry Seinfeld). Guests enjoyed a cafeteria-style eating experience with a dozen mini-tastes, 2 open bars, unique desserts including grapefruit sorbet, curry ice cream and spicy Mexican chocolate cookies and more.