Reba Toney and a Taste of Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles

What's your favorite food? Mine begins with chopsticks, is topped with wasabi, and usually comes with a, saikeirei (最敬礼), or "most respectful bow."

Tonight I go to the Sake and Tofu Tasting in Little Tokyo to talk about food and diversity on my Pubic Affairs TV Show.

It's hard to believe the Japanese favorites we love were originally created as fast food. Now, they are considered a masterpiece. And at the Tasting there is a line for Toranoko's, albacore cievichi and tofu hand rolls that are personally handed out by the star sushi chef. The Bonaventure Hotel uses a soft tofu crumble beside their giant braised scallops. Yum! 

Way to get scallops into a tofu tasting, but it is the rice that steals the show. If you polish the little grains down, so that there is only 30%, you are left with just the rice starch. I learn this little rice starch, minus its' proteins and amino acids, is what makes the the best sake. 

The Vibiana, a former Catholic Church, serves as a colorful serene backdrop for the night. 

Inside and out this venue is laden with tasting booths overflowing with the best food and sake. Hungry yet?  The event benefits Little Tokyo Service Center, LTSC, and they are the real reason we lift a sake glass. The LTSC helps build community in Downtown Los Angeles through affordable housing, counseling, and youth programs. (One day they will have an organization for my people.... maybe I'll be the first to start the interracial fund!) 

Kidding aside, food brings people from many backgrounds together, and together we can work towards a vibrant community, which truly benefits us all. 

Reba Toney at Disneyland California Adventure for Cars Land Opening

 

      I grew up in a place where there was no snowboarding, no Disneyland, and no routing for Oklahoma team, of any kind, to win. My move from Texas to So Cal has effectively changed two of these. My first time to attended Disneyland was with the Mark Larson Show and KRLA. I was in a booth on radio row next to Sal Masekela with ESPN, (before he was on E! and then went back to ESPN). Over the years, I have visited the Disneyland Resort to report on the opening of the Monsters Inc ride, Toy Story Mania ride, the reopening of Magic Mountain, countless Christmas Candle Light events, and even Night of Joy at Disney World, but this event is going to different then the rest.
      Normally, I attend the events at Disneyland or Disney World, with a radio or TV station and Disney does an amazing job hosting the press and introducing us to the parks. However, today I am at Disney California Adventure as Talent, with Dan the Mega Fan and the Toy Soldier, who are to introduce the new Cars Land to the world! Not only am I seeing behind the "Press Curtain", this event is bigger than ever. The Reopening of California Adventure and Grand Opening of Cars Land, is the biggest event in Disneyland History!! But it's something even bigger that has me particularly stoked this morning.
    Over the years of Disneyland Press trips  I also go to the parks outside of work events. I remember cooling down in the sphere fountain on a hot Christmas day when my family was visiting, doing handstands and cartwheels in Looney Tune Land before my cousin went to Afghanistan, the excitement of the monorail on the way into the park, and warm funnel cakes on the way out just before the park closes. I have made many memories here, and it is the memories that now make this event different. Disneyland Resort now feels like part of the family. I didn't take the traditional route of falling in love with Disneyland as a child, but standing on the new Route 66 just two days before the opening of Cars Land, I can tell you that I have fallin for this great wide world of Disney!

It happened to me in Downtown Los Angeles

I will admit, that for years, I have dreamed of ditching the isolation of suburban life to live near a café and art walk. It has taken ten years for Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) to merge the Historical Architecture, creativity, and market place synergy into a safe community that is rich in relationships and career satisfaction. My affection for this urban center is multifaceted and I will confess, I have fallen in love with Downtown Los Angeles. For this reason, I have agreed to make DTLA the subject of my next book.

It is hard to believe, but I began broadcasting in Los Angeles Radio,  May of 2002. Since then, I have enthusiastically kept tabs on the resurgence of DTLA. I was at the early Art Walks, frequented warehouse living on First Street, and grabbed lunch boxes in Little Tokyo. I attended the Opening of The Nokia Theater, kicked off games at Staples Center, toasted the new LEED Certified Lofts, and walked the gutted Salon that now anchors Perishing Square. And through the years my grasp of DTLA has been as diverse as the city itself. My friends vary from those who are climbing the corporate latter, to those making their mark with a needle and thread, and even some who exist simply to help others living on skid row

My last book was on the shelves at Urban Outfitters and I can't wait to see my next installation there too! My new book is called, DTLA Finding Community in Districts, Pioneers, and People.
 I want to take you, on a first hand journey to discover the distinct boroughs that have taken root downtown.  I want to hear the stories from those who have worked tirelessly to instigate the culture. I want to describe the community of people who now call DTLA home.
 I willl be sure to include real stories, no matter how raw and gritty, lots of before and after pictures, and of course your testimonies, opinions, and reviews of DTLA. So, pony up, and lets find out more about the Arts District, Fashion District, Skid Row, Financial District, Bunker Hill, and The Old Theater District....it will be fun, and you might just find a new community along the way. 

I'm moving to Steve Harvey

Think Like A Man, is Steve Harvey's movie based on his book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. And though I may have to much estrogen to think like a man, I am ready to make a move. Since living in Los Angeles, I have had a 3 bedroom duplex right on Sunset Blvd, in Brentwood, a 5 bedroom house on Laurel Canyon, in the Hollywood Hills, and now I am ready to move again. I have always made sure to have plenty of room for family, friends, nannies, ect, but lately have been living alone and I must say, I'm not a fan. How do so many people live by themselves. I found a guy, Eric Klinenbergnew, a sociologist of the modern human condition, he says no people group in
the history  has proposed large amounts of singles living alone until now. Apparently, In 1950 there were 4 million Americans living alone (mostly migrant workers in Nevada and Alaska) and now there are are over 23 million Americans living alone, many choosing the lifestyle rather than be apart of a family. Don't get me wrong I like my time alone, and can do with out some of my family, but I HATE living alone. I like having people up in my junk, keeping me humble, malleable, and selfless. I like the intense process of giving and growing that only happens when you're in close quarters with your crew.
       I have a good friend, Regina Rice who is also boycotting living alone, so we decided to boycott together. I remember last year when Regina told me Chris Brown was filming a movie at her casa. The production company scouted her house and asked if they could film the movie, Think Like a Man in her abode. Matter a fact, one of the stars left a little note explaining what happened in her....ummm hmmmm, toilet, signed Chris Brown.   CUT TO, one move and a garage sale later I am safely installed in a beautiful Mediterranean home in Culver City with a family friend, her dogs, mine, and all love we can muster.  Chris Brown not included. 

Steve Harvey's Romcom was filmed here, but the next season of my life will be more about the sequel to my new book,The Rating Game, Match Book, find your exact number and find your perfect match. More details to follow.

Oprah features David Rodriguez Painting & I have the Orginal

Oprah's daily show is over, but it seems to put more anticipation on the rare interviews she does make. I recently heard David Rodriguez, a painter I've known for almost 2 decades, is featured on Oprah's Next Chapter tv show this Sunday. I met up with David a couple of weeks ago while he was in So Cal working with Saddleback. I drive so far east in Lake Forest that it feels like I passed the boarder for Arizona. The mid-week evening trip is worth it for a friend who, as David recalls, "Can't remember exactly where our friendship started, and that's a really cool thing."
At some point David and his wife Nicki lived a street over from me in Sachse, Texas. Those were golden days. We recall stories, one of which, is when someone tried to break into my house. Periodically over the following months, I awake scared in the night, run across the street, through the alley, and tap on David and Nicki's door. No matter how late in the night, they gladly open the door and let me crash on their couch. Who does that? We laugh.
Back in the day, we met at a bar on Sunday Mornings, called the Regal Beagle. David's wife Nicki along with Rene Anderson cook up a huge hot breakfast. We sit at table tops around the polished bar. Rene's husband Dave Anderson, with his long hair, bare feet, and calm philphilosophical voice shares a
message of grace and acceptance through Christ, while we eat, and off to the side, David Rodriguez paints. It's a lot of Daves to keep track, but somewhere between our last sip of coffee and biscuit, Dave Anderson turns around to see the graphic and emotional illustration that David Rodriguez has just created.
Rodriguez grew up in New York before moving to Dallas. He has a deconstructed comic book meets Salvador Dali style that pierces as it evokes. Rodriguez is a pioneer in the art of Live Illustration, and now travels the country Speed Painting. His latest painting for TD Jakes, at the Potters House, is featured on Oprah's Next Chapter tv show this weekend.
I told David I still have several of his paintings, and one is hanging in my house. I described the pastel blues, suited men concerned only with business, and the one in the middle who has found something better inwhich to surrender. He tells me this painting is called, "God's Time" and is one of his most requested live paintings. We pause, and then he deduces that I must have the original. It warms my heart to have been apart of that time. I treasure his painting, but more so, the life long friendship that the miles and time can not take away.

Learn more about David Rodriguez Speed Paintings at drgorilla.com.

Spring Training to congratulate the Dodgers new Magic

With several Spring Training Visits under our belts, Traci Szymanski and I are headed to the Dodgers Compound in Arizona to be the first to congratulate the players on the Magic Johnson acquisition.
I am originally from Dallas and when I grew up, there was only one team we routed for and it wasn't in baseball. Growing up in a football town made it easy for me to love the Dodgers when I got to LA. We broadcast Dodgers Games on the radio station were I DJ, and I have made appearances on the field for the station over the years. That said, it was my good friend Traci Szymanski who showed me how to really have fun at a Dodgers Game. Traci grew up around the game with her brother and brother’s friends playing ball. Many of them went on to play in the Majors. She knows the game as well as any guy, maybe even the players. We’re always sitting in the front row (cheering on friends, haggling the opposing team and arguing plays and pitches) enjoying all you can eat and going to the game is like a family reunion each week. A group of us went to the game as her childhood friend and former Dodger’s Pitcher, Randy Wolf had his 100th career win, I always join her to support the important things like the Dodger’s charity initiatives that she is involved with including James Loney’s RBI Event and The Dodgers Dream Foundation Bowling Extravaganza etc. And for fun, we never miss a Halloween party at Brad Penny's house or a night out with the boys for Steel Panther. Traci has brought a list of celebrities to perform and enjoy a game including Slash, Will.iam, Leeanne Rimes, David Hasselhoff, Good Charlotte and WWE Superstar, The Miz. So during Spring Training, when Traci is heading to the Desert on a chartered plane with one of the radio stations or wants to go to support Matt Kemp’s Charity Event for Autism, or is going to to see friends who play on various teams, or just wants to be the first to say congratulations, I'm packing a bag and heading to baseball meca! Traci Szymanski and Tiffany Michelle, Poker player and star of “The Worst Cooks in America”, were at Spring Training for several baseball games, poker tournaments, charity events and promotions at their favorite spot “The Talking Stick Resort” earlier this month. This weekend the three of us will head to Camelback Ranch for the last weekend of Spring Training before the players suit up for the season.

City Boys vs Country Boys

I'm sitting in the production office for a tv show for the OWN Network and I notice a poster casting for 10 City Boys and 10 Country Boys for CMT's bachel0rette style show, Sweet Home Alabama. I grab Jenn Pike and let her know that I have got the perfect country boy for her show
I meet Jeremiah James Korfe 7 or 8 years ago as he first moves to LA. He is a curly headed kid with a guitar who instantly feels like a little brother. I see Jeremiah's incredible character fist hand as he lives with us at our house in the Hollywood Hills. The girls love Jeremiah, but as one of ten kids who returns to the farm in Minnesota every year to plant, hunt, and harvest he doesn't let them distract him.

Jeremiah returns to the farm full time but as I look at the poser I know he can get away for a few weeks so I give him a call about Sweet Home Alabama. He is skeptical about realty shows but I convince him to just chat with Jenn, days later he skypes from his tractor with his Iphone, and within weeks is on the show in Alabama.

I watch Paige Duke graciously chooses the right words to send both country and city boys home until it is down to just two. The final episode Paige Duke decides between two great men, Bubba, a rancher from the South and Jeremiah, a farmer and musician from the North. I smile with tears of joy streaming down my face as Paige chooses Jeremiah because I know he loves her too.

Jeremiah James Korfe can be brawly and Paige Duke seems to let her heart lead but their love for each other and passion for music and life are infectious, like Johnny Cash and June Carter. I can't wait to see more of their story. Jeremiah and Paige make their first public appearance this week in Las Vegas, first at the House of Blues and then American Country Music Awards.

Reba Toney attends NAMM with John Mayer and Isreal Houghton

I am working with Hard Music Magazine to bring you the newest artist on the hottest equipment and no one showcases them better than NAMM.

Fans, friends, and former crew line up to catch Tommy Lee (Motely Crue) play for Pearl, Scott Ian (Anthrax) for Jackson Guitars, Israel Houghton (Joel Osteen) for Taylor Guitars and John Mayer sneak into the press room. For me this years trek across the Orange County line was not so sunny, but that didn’t keep people from turning out in droves. The National Music Conference takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center just down the street from Disneyland. I think the rain slowed the Mouse traffic but the Music geeks, freaks, and sneaks were everywhere.

Safe inside away from the rainy day the giant arena was wall to wall with guitars, amps, keyboards, software, and my favorite…long haired, tatted, veteran musicians showcasing the wares of the best. We also caught WWE Wrestler, Chris Jericho who made an appearance for Dean Markly and TV’s House MD star, Jesse Spenser was with Wood Violins and preformed the Celebrity Jam.

The trade show is by badge only but if you want to see your favorite rip up the strings or wail on the mic you can usually catch a late night show at a local hotels or venue during the week.
Find out more about Israel Houghton on Top 3, on JCTV.

Reba Toney attends NAMM with John Mayer and Isreal Houghton

I am working with Hard Music Magazine to bring you the newest artist on the hottest equipment and no one showcases them better than NAMM.

Fans, friends, and former crew line up to catch Tommy Lee (Motely Crue) play for Pearl, Scott Ian (Anthrax) for Jackson Guitars, Israel Houghton (Joel Osteen) for Taylor Guitars and John Mayer sneak into the press room. For me this years trek across the Orange County line was not so sunny, but that didn’t keep people from turning out in droves. The National Music Conference takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center just down the street from Disneyland. I think the rain slowed the Mouse traffic but the Music geeks, freaks, and sneaks were everywhere.

Safe inside away from the rainy day the giant arena was wall to wall with guitars, amps, keyboards, software, and my favorite…long haired, tatted, veteran musicians showcasing the wares of the best. We also caught WWE Wrestler, Chris Jericho who made an appearance for Dean Markly and TV’s House MD star, Jesse Spenser was with Wood Violins and preformed the Celebrity Jam.

The trade show is by badge only but if you want to see your favorite rip up the strings or wail on the mic you can usually catch a late night show at a local hotels or venue during the week.