The Inauguration of E
THE INAUGURATION OF E
Welcome to the inaugural issue of my online magazine!
This is an evolving monthly digital publication that I like to describe as a convergence of photography, culture, and musings — a bit blog, a bit newsletter, and a bit ‘zine.
I’ll be sharing more details about my work and philosophy, perspectives; restaurants, events, and exhibitions, and I invite you to join me in your inbox every month. Please leave me a comment below and let me know you stopped by; it would mean a lot to me.
For this inaugural issue, I invite you to take a look at my shoot with, Steve Olson; and my most recent editorial — the March issue of Los Angeles Magazine, The LA Woman.
IN THE CITY section, I review restaurants, Verse LA and Checker Hall; and IN MY EAR, I share some songs that have been accompanying me in the car recently.
I hope you enjoy!
xo
FEATURED PORTRAIT
STEVE OLSON
Steve is a legendary skateboarder known for his unique style and fearless approach. With a career that spans decades, he’s has made a lasting impact on the sport through his innovative tricks and a boundary-pushing attitude. His influence can be seen in the way he effortlessly blends art and skateboarding, creating a mesmerizing display of creativity both on and off the board. Steve’s passion for the sport shines through in his dedication to pushing the limits and inspiring the next generation of skateboarders. He’s also credited with having been the first to introduce punk rock music to the skateboarding universe.
As an artist, he is known for his unique approach to blending contemporary art with traditional techniques. His work often reflects a deep exploration of color and texture, resulting in captivating pieces that draw viewers in with both their simplicity and complexity. Olson's use of color, light, and shadow creates a sense of movement within his compositions, adding an intriguing dynamic to the overall aesthetic. With an eye for detail and a passion for experimentation, Steve continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression on the art world.
We shot a series of portraits on a sunny Friday morning at his Los Angeles studio. Take a look at more here.
Steve has the biggest heart and is one of the most authentic souls I am blessed to know.
Kris Jenner photographed by Elisabeth Caren
LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE
Los Angeles Magazine’s March Issue is dedicated to honoring Women's Month through the recognition of influential women who are revolutionizing different sectors in the city. Highlighting a spectrum of leaders, including innovative businesswomen, devoted activists, and talented artists, this edition pays homage to the multifaceted and significant female figures who are reshaping the landscape of Los Angeles. By delving into their stories through detailed interviews, compelling articles, and visually stunning imagery, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the empowering journeys of these exceptional individuals. With a focus on empowerment and encouragement, the LA Woman March Issue strives to inspire women from all walks of life, underscoring the significance of fostering a culture of support and recognition year-round.
For this issue, I had the pleasure of shooting restauranteurs and sisters, Elizabeth and Catherine An. Take a look at our series here.
Take a look at the full interview here.
IN THE CITY
VERSE LA
With its unassuming exterior, it might be easy to think you’re walking into an abandoned one-story office building. No sign, just Google Maps, and a prayer. However, when I walked through the door just left of the entrance alcove, I found myself impressed with the romantic atmosphere I was greeted with, which was perfect for the company I was with.
My date and I were welcomed with warmth and grace by the elegant hosts. We were immediately seated and our friendly server introduced herself and shared a little about the restaurant and explained that the live music we were listening to was being recorded by the incredible display of microphones peppered throughout the ceiling.
I’m a “when in Rome” meat eater, meaning if a location is known for its meat, I’ll indulge, but consider myself a Pescatarian, so my date ordered us the oysters and sashimi to start which were very good. The sashimi melted in your mouth as it should, and the oysters topped with Oestra caviar were quite divine.
We enjoyed several dishes from the leather-bound menu — I had the Branzino and he had the A5 Wagyu and we split the milk bun and carrots. The Branzino was great flavor-wise, but the skin was a bit too crispy and tough for my liking. He said the A5 was not the best he had, but decent. The milk bun and carrots, however, are fantastic! Neither of us have a sweet tooth really, so we didn’t order any dessert this time, but I’m told they are quite delicious here.
I would come back to Verse. It’s a great date night spot, with a decent price point, and a lovely atmosphere. Have you been to Verse? What did you think?
Ambiance 8/10
Service 9/10
Menu 7.5/10
CHECKER HALL
Highland Park has been getting more and more cute by the day. I am rarely that far east, but one of my closest friends lives there and it’s always a treat to bop around the strip there on Figueroa. Recently, a couple of girlfriends and I celebrated a birthday together at the newly renovated, Checker Hall.
Checker Hall sits above The Lodge, that rad event and concert hall; I saw Ebo Taylor there a couple of years ago, but that story is not why we’re here. I’d never actually eaten at Checker Hall, just poked my head in and was struck by the incredible mint green chandelier that was the showstopper that hung in the center of the room above the triangular bar. The mint color was reminiscent of the bathroom walls in Room 237 in The Shining, but in like a cute way — haha. But alas, that chandelier is no more. I pray to God that it still exists and the owners come to their senses and get that baby reinstalled.
The energy at Checker Hall is young and Highland Park hipster-y which may or may not be one’s thing, but either way, the menu is si bon! It’s got a tastefully done retro aesthetic with contemporary art and photography on the walls. One of the artists happened to be at the restaurant and came over to snap a pic of his triptych of Michael Myers on a Segway that hung above our table. @woodrow_white — nice kid.
I love to enjoy restaurants Mediterranean style — share plates for a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I find it adds to the enjoyment and conversation of the moment. Their menu allows just for that. My girlfriends and I split everything. We started with the whipped feta served with hot za’atar pita and the Delicata squash tempura; followed by the salmon skewers, Persian cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, and salmon crudo, coupled with a couple of their zero-proof cocktails. Just light bites and a bunch of laughs — my kinda night!
I have zero complaints about anything. Each dish was so well done, a perfect portion size, and left me blissed out from the dopamine rush I got as the flavor profiles made their way to every spot of my tongue.
Ambiance 7/10
Service 7.5/10
Menu 8/10
IN MY EAR
If you know me, you know my taste in music is as diverse as my bloodline. Spanning from punk rock to jazz and vintage country; and 1960s Nippon rock to French folk, and everywhere in between.
This month, here are some oldies and newbies that have been in my ear. A couple of these were introduced to me by my musical soulmate in Chicago.
