--- title: "Good Luck Deluxe" url: https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/ --- # Good Luck Deluxe - [Home |](http://www.goodluckdeluxe.com) - [About |](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/?page_id=60) - [Sponsorship and Advertising](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/?page_id=172) Appreciating what’s good on the road of life! ### December 2006 Monthly Archive Sun 31 Dec 2006 ## [On Keeping New Year’s Resolutions](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/31/on-keeping-new-years-resolutions/) Posted by GoodLuckDeluxe under [Thoughts](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/thoughts/) [No Comments](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/31/on-keeping-new-years-resolutions/#respond) I use a simple technique that works like a charm for me year after year in following through with my New Year’s Resolutions: Plan small. That’s right - small. Not grandiose, far-reaching, near impossible feats, but itty bitty steps. You’d be amazed at how proud you become of yourself when you achieve the most miniscule goals and aspirations, and maintain them over time. It’s all relative. An overweight person who manages to abstain from white flour, sugar, and other troublesome carbs during breakfast FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR tends to feel the same elation that a “skinny mini” feels by faithfully working out at the gym every day on schedule. **The simple mission:** commitment to *A* goal. **The result:** developed confidence. Even before reading books such as, “Look In, Look Up, Look Out!: Be the Person You Were Meant to Be,” by Joyce L. Vedral, and “One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way” by Robert Maurer, I was already pretty much of the mentality that I’d rather get a handle on my clutter - you know, MASTER something - than bust my hide at an extremely challenging goal like bidding farewell to frosted cupcakes forever and subsequently feeling like a squit (yes, I said “squit,” and even said it in a run-on sentence, so na!) when I yield to their enticement. I finally had to get real with myself and say, who am I kidding to think I’ll never again revel in the saccharine-bloated ecstasy that only a peppermint-frosted vanilla cupcake from [Sprinkles](http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com) can give? Ain’t gonna happen. So why not just admit it, set better goals, and have my cake, too?I wish you tons of luck in 2007 and beyond. See you then! Fri 29 Dec 2006 ## [Unique Shops in L.A.](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/29/unique-shops-in-la/) Posted by GoodLuckDeluxe under [Fashion](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/fashion/) , [L.A. Shopping](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/la-shopping/) [No Comments](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/29/unique-shops-in-la/#respond) If you like (or live!) to shop, and desire rare merchandise that few have their mitts on, look no further. I’m leaving no stone unturned, and I am keeping this guide updated as I learn about interesting shops that sell uncommon goods. Many of the merchants on this list are of African/Caribbean descent and sell trinkets and such that have exotic appeal, which is my preference and passion. Enjoy! *****SHOPPING***** **Eileen’s Boutique**(Shoes, Bags & Accessories) [www.eileensboutique.com](http://www.eileensboutique.com/) Eileen’s Boutique is owned by Aisha Reid, from Antigua island in the Caribbean. 3314 Motor Ave. (Cross Street is National) Los Angeles, CA 90034 310-842-9030 **Nobody Jones Boutique** [www.nobodyjones.com](http://www.nobodyjones.com/) 26-year-old Odessa Bowden is the sole proprietor of these shops. 4703 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-7177 **Other Nobody Jones Shop Locations:** (The Merchants Mart) 2411 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90405 310- 450-1816 Nobody Jones Pico 5522 Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 P323-934-5123 **Pinky Rose Boutique** [www.pinkyroseboutique.com](http://www.pinkyroseboutique.com/) A nice clothing and apparel boutique owned and operated by a Trinidadian. 5571 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-936-9213 **Sage Jewelry** [www.sagejewelry.com](http://www.sagejewelry.com/) Sage Boutique 7377 1/2 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: 877-698-SAGE or 877-698-7243 or 323-931-0595 Email: nessa@sagejewelry.com Sage Jewelry is owned and operated by Sage Machado. If you have a thing for designs with foreign flair, Sage has what you need. Fri 29 Dec 2006 ## [Afro-Caribbean Restaurants in L.A.](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/29/afro-caribbean-restaurants-in-la/) Posted by GoodLuckDeluxe under [Food & Wine](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/food/) , [Afro-Caribbean Food in L.A.](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/afro-caribbean-food-in-la/) , [Dining in L.A.](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/food/la-dining/) [No Comments](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/29/afro-caribbean-restaurants-in-la/#respond) Here is a fantastic list of enticing Afro-Caribbean restaurants and food markets in and around Los Angeles! Whether you have a taste for Ethiopian, West African, Moroccan, Soul Food, Cajun/Creole, Brazilian, Cuban, or Jamaican/Trini food, I’ve got you covered. Note: The list of **food markets**follows the restaurant guide. By no means is this list meant to serve as a definitive guide, as I have NOT yet sampled or reviewed every one of these dining establishments. But I have eaten at many of them, and so far, it’s been two thumbs up! So if you’re ready for a satisfying change of pace from the usual sushi, salads, and pasta (and who isnt?!), then read on. *****AFRICAN RESTAURANTS (North/South/East/West Africa)** **Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant** [www.marrakeshrestaurant.com](http://www.marrakeshrestaurant.com/) - 13003 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 788-6354 **Tagine Moroccan Restaurant**- 132 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills (310) 360-7535 **Ngoma Restaurant** (All of Africa is featured at Ngoma) [www.ngomarestaurant.com](http://www.ngomarestaurant.com/)- 5358 Wilshire Blvd. in Mid-Wilshire (323) 934-1595. Ngoma serves wonderful seasoned greens, and I love their African stews! The owner is a nice lady. She puts her heart into her cooking. Homestyle African cuisine at its finest! **Awash Restaurant** 5990 1/2 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 (323) 939-3233. This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in L.A. See my review [here.](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2007/03/07/awash-restaurant-in-la-im-one-fat-ethiopian/) **Fassica Ethiopian Restaurant** [www.fassicarestaurant.com](http://www.fassicarestaurant.com/) - 10401 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 815-8463 **Meals by Genet Ethiopian Restaurant** [www.mealsbygenet.com](http://www.mealsbygenet.com/) 1076 Fairfax Ave. (323) 938-9304 **Messob Ethiopian Restaurant** [www.messob.com](http://www.messob.com/) 1041 Fairfax Ave. (323) 938-8827 **Nyala Ethiopian Restaurant** [www.nyala-la.com](http://www.nyala-la.com/) - 1076 South Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 936-5918 **Rahel Ethiopian Vegetarian Cafe** [www.rahelveggiecuisine.com](http://www.rahelveggiecuisine.com/) - 1047 South Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 937-8401 **Rosalind’s Ethiopian Restaurant** - 1044 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 936-2486 **Lagos Cafe** - 14044 Crenshaw Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 768-3972. Lagos serves primarily Nigerian food. *****JAMAICAN/CARIBBEAN RESTAURANTS***** **Cha Cha Chicken** [www.chachachicken.com](http://www.chachachicken.com/) 1906 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 581-1684 **Coley’s Restaurant**(Jamaican) [www.coleyscuisine.com](http://www.coleyscuisine.com/) - 10842 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 761-4944 **Derrick’s Jamaican Restaurant** [www.derricksjamaican.com](http://www.derricksjamaican.com/) 6806 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (310) 641-7572 **Havana on Sunset** 5825 West Sunset Blvd. #105, Hollywood, CA 90028 310-566-7342. Authentic Cuban food! **Jamaican Cafe** 424 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA (310) 587-2626 **La Bodeguita de Pico** [www.labodeguitadepico.com](http://www.labodeguitadepico.com) 5047 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles 323-937-2822 **Madre’s Restaurant** [www.madresrestaurante.com](http://www.madresrestaurante.com/) Yes, this is owned by JLo, Jennifer Lopez. 897 Granite Drive Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 744-0900 **“Naturali Art” Market & Jamaican Restaurant** - 3426 West Washington Blvd. (323) 737-9277 **Pelican Belizean**- 4254 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA (323) 232-5487 **Porto’s Bakery & Delicatessan**[www.portosbakery.com](http://www.portosbakery.com/) **In Glendale:** 315 North Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 (818) 956-5996. **In Burbank:** 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 846-9100. ~Porto’s features to-die-for desserts, and those scrumptiously authentic Cuban sandwiches. I highly recommend their bread pudding, as well as their Cuban cake! **Port Royal Cafe** 1412 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA (310) 458-4147 **Posh on Pico** is located, well um, not on Pico for now, as they are moving to a new location: [www.poshonpico.com](http://www.poshonpico.com/) My friend swears by their Latina Burger and the agua frescas. Posh has great side items and drinks: plantain chips, caramelized plantains, rice and beans, mango salad, and ginger lemonade. **Wi Jammin’ Caribbean Restaurant** - 5103 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 965-9809 *****SOUL FOOD RESTAURANTS***** **Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch** - 4325 Glencoe Ave. Marina del Rey, CA (310) 578-1005 **House of Blues** [www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/sunsetstrip](http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/sunsetstrip) - 8430 Sunset Blvd. (323) 848-5100. HOB’s Sunday Gospel Brunch is highly popular featuring a hearty menu. **JR’s BBQ**[www.jrs-bbq.com](http://www.jrs-bbq.com/) 3055 S. La Cienega Culver City, CA (310) 837-6838. Owned and operated by mother and son Jeanie Jackson and Bobby Johnson. Friendly atmosphere! This Memphis-style BBQ establishment is a Los Angeles fixture. Everything is fresh, and so GOOD! **Les Sisters Southern Kitchen** 2181 Devonshire, Chatsworth, CA (818) 998-0755 **Miss Peaches** - 5643 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA (818) 760-4924 **Mom’s Barbecue House** - 14062 Vanowen, Van Nuys, CA (818) 786-1373 **Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles** [www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com](http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/) - SEVERAL LOCATIONS: 5006 W. Pico Blvd. 323-934-4405 & 1514 N. Gower St. Hollywood, CA (213) 466-7453. What **A TREAT** this place is every now and then. Everything is fresh! Their waffles are laced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Their candied yams are perfectly sweet. I have yet to have a bad experience at Roscoe’s. Not health food, but exceptionally good! *****BRAZILIAN RESTAURANTS***** **Bossa Nova** 212 S. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 550-7900. Crowded place, but decent enough food. Go on off-peak times. **Fogo de Chao** [www.fogodechao.com](http://www.fogodechao.com/) 133 N. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA (310) 289-7755. This upscale establishment gets consistent “five star” reviews. One of the nicer Brazilian restaurants, so dress accordingly. **Pampas Grill** [www.pampas-grill.com](http://www.pampas-grill.com/) - at The Farmer’s Market @ The Grove on 3rd & Fairfax. What a succulent Brazilian buffet! Great grilled meats, salad bar, black bean stew (Feijoada), rice, fried plantains, etc. **Party Brazil**[www.partybrazil.com](http://www.partybrazil.com/) (818) 468-6474 - Party Brazil caters amazing Brazilian fare. **Ummba Grill** [www.ummbagrill.com](http://www.ummbagrill.com) Westfield Century City Mall, next to the food court upstairs 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., # 200A Century City, CA 90067 (310) 552-2014 *****CAJUN & CREOLE RESTAURANTS***** **La Belle Creole** [www.labellecreole.org](http://www.labellecreole.org/) (Haitian, American, Creole Food & Catering) - 1271 S. La Brea Ave. LA 90019 (323) 965-7700 **Stevie’s Creole Cafe** - 16911 Ventura Blvd., Encino (818) 528-3500 **The Gumbo Pot**[www.thegumbopotla.com](http://www.thegumbopotla.com/) - at The Farmer’s Market in The Grove at 3rd & Fairfax. I love their jalapeno corn muffins! **Uncle Darrow’s** [www.uncledarrows.com](http://www.uncledarrows.com/) 2560 South Lincoln Blvd. (North/East corner of Washington & Lincoln Blvd.) Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 306-4862 _______________________________________________________ **FOOD MARKETS** **African Produce Central Market** - 4564 W. Washington Blvd. (323) 932-1722 **Cost Plus World Market** [www.worldmarket.com](http://www.worldmarket.com/) - (323) 935-5530 at The Grove @ 3rd & Fairfax carries an enormous selection of imported foods and products. It’s a fusion of Pier 1 and Trader Joe’s. This was one of the only places where I could find Walkerswood Jerk Marinade. **Kitanda Brazilian Market** [www.kitandabrazil.com](http://www.kitandabrazil.com/) - On Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. They even carry Brazilian beauty products - yeah! **Light My Fire** - (323) 930-2484 in The Farmer’s Market @ The Grove carries nothing but spices, hot sauces, and bbq sauces. **Merkato Ethiopian Market** [www.ethiopianmerkato.com](http://www.ethiopianmerkato.com/) - 1036 1/2 Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, California 90019 (323) 935-1775 or (323) 935-1796 **Sinclair Trading, Inc.** [www.sinclairtrading.com](http://www.sinclairtrading.com/) - 864 Produce Court, Los Angeles 213-627-6063. Now this joint right here is the spot! They carry a huge selection of Caribbean spices and products. Thu 28 Dec 2006 ## [Ayurveda - Ancient Indian Wellness](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/28/ayurveda-ancient-indian-wellness/) Posted by GoodLuckDeluxe under [Health](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/health/) [No Comments](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/28/ayurveda-ancient-indian-wellness/#respond) I have nothing but love for Ayurveda. It is essentially the ages-old practice of balancing mind, body, and spirit via the use of your body’s most ideal foods, customized regimens and habits, appropriate physical exercise, and herbal remedies. A comprehensive Ayurvedic website that I love is [All Ayurveda](http://www.allayurveda.com). My dosha (type) is crazy Vata, as you will learn in time. Approaching life from an Ayurvedic perspective is beneficial when it is practiced simply by itself or in conjunction with traditional Western methods of mental and emotional balancing. Try Ayurveda for a month or two and you’ll surely witness the difference! Thu 28 Dec 2006 ## [2007 Monthly Writers’ Group Dinner](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/28/2007-monthly-writers-group-dinner/) Posted by GoodLuckDeluxe under [Food & Wine](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/category/food/) [No Comments](https://goodluckdeluxe.com/2006/12/28/2007-monthly-writers-group-dinner/#respond) For the writers who are participating in this delightful monthly gathering here in L.A., we will do our best to provide lower-fat versions of these dishes! **LE MENU** **January - “The Non-Agin’ Cajun”** Red beans and rice Corn muffins Coleslaw Peach cobbler **February - “Rasta, no Pasta!”** Curry chicken Jamaican rice and peas Green salad with chutney Butter Pecan Rum Cake **March - “Soul Fiesta”** Rum BBQ chicken BBQ Country ribs Savory fresh greens Potato salad Sweet potato biscuits Baked macaroni and cheese Sweet potato pie **April - “More-Rocco”** Moroccan potato and turkey casserole Roasted veggies (fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs) Pineapple upside-down cake **May - “Tropical Pre-Summer Kickoff”** Scallion beef skewers Jerk chicken skewers Caribbean green salad Roasted sweet potato rounds with black bean cream Tropical fruit platter and Poundcake **June - “Southern Brunch”** Pecan and Sweet potato waffles Home fries Egg and sausage casserole Cinnamon rolls Country bacon Turkey sausage Mimosas **July - “Gumbo Yes-Yes”** Gumbo Corn muffins Herbed Potato salad Praline cheesecake **August - “What a Jerk!”** Jerk chicken Jamaican rice and peas Fried plantains Caribbean tossed salad Key lime pie **September - “Motherland Meal”** West African Stew with all the fixin’s Fufu Coconut ice cream sundae with macadamia nuts **October - “Fall Mardi Gras”** Cajun crab cakes Jambalaya Corn muffins Green salad with candied pecans Bread pudding with Bourbon sauce **November - “Breakfast Dinner”** Baked French toast Potato Omelet Turkey sausage Virginia bacon Cheese grits Fried apples Sparkling wine **December - “Early Christmas Dinner”** Honeybaked Ham Cajun fried turkey Potato cheese casserole Greens Sweet potato pudding Spice sheet cake Design Downloaded from [www.vanillamist.com](http://www.vanillamist.com)