Good Times at Tempo Urban Kitchen | @TempoKitchen #TempoUrbanKitchen

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Erin

Good Times at Tempo Urban Kitchen

By Erin

Tempo Urban Kitchen in Brea, California is marching to its own culinary beat and creating some amazing dishes that are not to be missed. I knew right from the start that we were in for a fun evening the second we walked through the door (you’ll see what I mean once you see the pictures below..) I was invited to attend a media tasting last week here to check out not only the amazing eats, but also the very eclectic atmosphere, some behind the scenes action in the kitchen and meet not only one out of this world chef, but 3! All of the invited guests were treated to 3 outstanding local OC chefs who each prepared a special dish for our dining extravaganza. Check out what these talented chefs are cooking up here at Tempo Urban Kitchen! You are in for a very enjoyable dining experience here.

The ambiance of this dining haven is very friendly, welcoming , urban, chic and very eclectic, with lots of colorful contemporary artwork on the walls, that I noticed were also for sell. I think it’s pretty safe to say we were all super excited to see this new bar and eatery from owner, Jorge Cueva and to finally get to taste the Latin American offerings that we have all been seeing pictures of leading up to this night. It was awesome to be back to taste some of Chef Chris Tzorin’s crazy delicious creations as well since late last year we were all treated to an amazing dinner by Chef Chris Tzorin. Chris has been on several Food Network shows and is one amazingly talented and inspirational guy. He never gives up and keeps going for his dreams.

Ok, so NOW you see why I said earlier this is such a super fun place? THIS is what you see the second you step into the door! The bar greets you full on with this beautiful setup! They have a very nice selection of tequilas and spirits offered. 🙂

Make sure you look up when you walk in as well. I love all the natural light and the other creative lighting hanging throughout the dining area.

Chef Chris Tzorin had us start off the evening with a tour through the kitchen and to meet the other chefs and staff who were diligently preparing dinner for us. The owner of Tempo Urban Kitchen Jorge Cueva; hand picked and brought in these three awesome and talented young Chefs: (from left to right) Executive Chef Salvador Carrillo, Chef Chris Tzorin, & Chef Charly Perez.

Chef Charly Perez cooking up the deconstructed Korean tacos we were about to devour and enjoy.

Once seated, we were greeting with these sweet things. Some Mango- Serrano Infused Margaritas with a Tajino rim. Sweet and spicy and so refreshing.

Our first bite of the night was the Marinated Grill Octopus, Created by Chef Chris Tzorin. Made with guajillo chili oil, a creamy Serrano sauce, lime cream and chipotle mayo, and topped with microgreens. Served on wood planks to make it easy to dip into the Chipotle Aioli and greens. Oh my, so good. I did not want to share this. With anyone!! A very enjoyable dish, you will want to savor every last morsel of these bites of pure joy.

Naturally Lindy & Facial Giveaway!

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Erin

Naturally Lindy & Facial Giveaway!

By Erin

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and do I have a luxurious treat in store for a lucky reader from our friends at Naturally Lindy & Lindy’s Healing Facials. Wether you want to pamper yourself, or another amazing woman in your life, getting a facial is so refreshing and always makes for a perfect gift. I went to see Lindy the other month right before leaving for a press trip and it was just what I needed to relax and rejuvenate.

Lindy’s Healing Facials brings you a deep cleansing and relaxing facial treatment. I went in for the Healing Facial (1 hour/$85) with Lindy. This facial will have any impurities removed from the skin while listening to soothing music in the background. A careful analysis will be given where lifestyle issues can be addressed, such as diet, allergies, hormones and stress. Pores are gently opened with aromatherapy and warm towels. Dead skin is removed with a light scrub or botanical glycolic peel. Next, impurities, such as blackheads and whiteheads are carefully removed (a bit painful for sure, but well worth the results!)and fresh aloe is immediately applied to assist in healing. A facial mask is applied and energy blocks are removed with hands-on, body balancing, reflexology, cranial work and a chakra balancing and sage blessing to complete the healing experience. After the facial I had, my skin was so soft, smooth and glowing. Not red or irritated at all.

So if you’re still looking for a perfect gift for mom, grandma, or another special woman, consider the gift of a facial or some of the awesome items from Naturally Lindy Skin Care. All products are Paraben-free and never tested on animals. They are also 100% Natural and are made with pure whole leaf aloe vera that they have grown themselves.

There are very few pampering experiences I enjoy more than a good facial, and this Mother’s Day, that’s exactly what I’m highlighting at Naturally Lindy. Owned by Lindy Batis-Walsh, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Lindy’s Healing Facials since 1982, facials are just one of the skin care services you’ll find here. She has been featured in several magazines and TV shows and has been chosen “Best Facials in LA” by LA Weekly.

Here’s a little more info on some of my favorite items from the Naturally Lindy Line: (*NOTE* Giveaway is NOT for these items, it is for a FACIAL with Lindy!! 🙂

Dory’s Story with Co-Director Angus MacLane & Story Supervisor Max Brace #FindingDoryEvent

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Erin

Dory’s Story

By Erin

*I was invited on a press trip as a guest of Disney & PIXAR to share with you about the Finding Dory movie. All opinions are my own.*

Max Brace (Story Supervisor) and Angus MacLane (Co-Director) present at the Finding Dory Long Lead press day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA. Photo by Marc Flores. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Back in March I was a part of a magical trip to Monterey Bay to discover how Dory’s story came to be. Story is king at Pixar Animation Studios. Whether a film revisits old friends or introduces us to some new ones, it all starts with a story that needs to be told. We had the pleasure to learn all about how Dory was developed and taken from script to storyboards to screen with Co-Director Angus MacLane and Story Supervisor Max Brace. Finding Dory, swims in theaters everywhere June 17th, 2016.

Angus MacLane, Director of Toy Toons short film Small Fry, is photographed on October 18, 2011 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Angus MacLane at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar).

Animator and Co-Director Angus MacLane joined Pixar Animation Studios as an animator in June 1997 whose work includes such beloved films such as Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, WALL*E, and Toy Story 3.

Max Brace is photographed on February 16, 2016 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Max Brace at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Max Brace joined Pixar Animation Studios in July of 1996 straight out of college as a story artist on the feature film A Bugs Life. As a story supervisor, Brace leads the story team and helps directors realize their vision for the story. In addition, he casts story artists for specific sequences, reviews artists’ work, both individually and with the director, and guides the artists to understand and execute the director’s vision.

FINDING DORY – Lighting Exploration Concept Art by Visual Consultant Sharon Calahan. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

What is a Storyboard?

Basically it is a group of rough sketches on paper used to indicate an idea. Storyboards are very tiny and not too detailed. It is just enough information for the other animators, artists, actors, and writers to get a feel for the direction they want the story to go in. This process is gone through many times until it is perfect. After completion, the storyboard goes to the directors where they will walk through the scene together and discuss any corrections or improvements that need to be made. The storyboards are reviewed by the “Brain Trust” and studio every 4 months. These storyboards create the overall blueprint for the final film. For Finding Dory, 103,639 storyboards were generated to get Dory’s Story just right.

FINDING DORY – MLI Overview Painting (Concept Art) by Artist Tim Evatt. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. — FINDING DORY – MLI Overview Painting (Concept Art) by Artist Tim Evatt. ©2016 Disney•Pixar.

It’s all about finding the story and the process of creating the story through sequencing when it comes to animation. The story process starts with brainstorming. It was decided that they wanted part of the story to take place at the Marine Life Institute. Brace shared with us an experience he had at an aquarium with his son that ended up being inspiration for some of the scenes for Finding Dory. Seeing the touch tank with all of the kids touching, poking and prodding the poor creatures, got him to thinking, “What would it be like if Dory got stuck in the touch tank?” The humor and horror of being in an aquarium touch pool was just too good to ignore. Hank and Dory end up in some hairy, yet funny situations that the animators created for the touch pool scene based on reality and humor. After organizing their ideas, they are handed off to the writer to write the scene. The team worked hard on the touch pool idea and went on to research and photograph the idea, then moved on to make, improve, and create the perfect scene for the movie. It was a bit of a challenge to keep the main focus on Dory, but 240 sequences later it was accomplished.