the BEAT of the week: "Battle Royale" at the Cinefamily

Cinefamily -- the nonprofit organization running the Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax -- has been killing it as of late. Not only did they just finish the crazy feat of a 24-hour telethon complete with entertainment from none other than Spike Jonze, Stephen Merritt of the Magnetic Fields, Jonathan Gold, No Age, Michael Cera and more, but they've also managed to book some great films lately. Just finished was the first official L.A. run of a great -- and completely intense -- movie called We Need to Talk About Kevin, starring the always mesmerizing Tilda Swinton.

And now coming up beginning this weekend, Cinefamily is set to screen the controversial Japanese cult film Battle Royale in its first North American run ever. Ever! And Cinefamily got it for one whole week. If you don't know, the premise of the film revolves around a society where the government sends whole classes of 9th grade students to a remote island where they're forced to fight each other off to the death, one by one. And from the looks of it, the film doesn't shy away from being bloody and gory but altogether thrilling. Surely an inventive -- if not gruesomely fun -- way to spend the holidays in the winter wasteland known as L.A. in December.

And, since we're all in the giving spirit these days, why not extend that further to the Cinefamily? Members get to go to nearly every screening and event for free, and judging by what they've been able to book for the last month alone, 2012 is only yet to get better. A good gift for a friend, family member or yourself! Plus, you can get it written off in your taxes! Sad as it is, indie films are finding it more and more difficult to find places to screen out here in L.A. (of all cities!), so let's support one of the best places that still does. Become a member or donate here.

Cinefamily programs the Silent Movie Theater, located at 611 N. Fairfax Ave. in Mid-City. Check out the schedule of screenings here.

-- Chau Tu

the BEAT of the week: Short Order.

Now, I have yet to try out Short Order, the new restaurant from L.A.'s beloved Amy Pressman and Nancy Silverton, since it only just opened a week and a half ago, but I guess that's not really excuse.

Because still, it's surely one to recommend. It's been 30 years in the making for Pressman and Silverton, both of whom once worked at Spago, and the latter moved on to help build Mozza. Short Order also boasts a cocktail menu created by the award-winning mixologist Julian Cox.

So expect some big lines as you wait outside the Original Farmers' Market on Third Street. Once you get in, though, be prepared for some delicious burgers, corndogs, melts, salads and custard shakes -- all artisanal and handmade. What more can you ask for?

If you make it in sometime soon, report back! I'll be in line.

Short Order is located at the Original Farmers Market at 6333 W. Third St. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Short Order

the monthly BEAT: Miracle Mile/Mid-City/Fairfax. Ooh LA L.A. Festival.

Time to practice your French, fellow Angelenos -- the Ooh LA L.A. Festival is coming to town. The third annual French music event is the only one of its kind and caliber in Los Angeles, and it takes over the El Rey for three days at the end of this month.

The big highlight is Nouvelle Vague's performance on Sept. 29, when the French band known for taking on rock's classics and giving them a sultry twist tackles a new challenge: a musical directed by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. It's called "Dawn of Innocence," and although I'm not too familiar with his work, here's a video preview of a past collaboration between the two.



Sept. 30 will feature a performance by the collective Tinariwen, and on Oct. 1, Birdy Nam Nam will be joined by DJ Cam and Feadz. Check out more info here.

The Ooh LA L.A. Festival takes place from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the El Rey, located at 5515 Wilshire Blvd. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

the monthly BEAT: Miracle Mile/Mid-City/Fairfax. Eat Out.

Chau and I both used to work in the Miracle Mile section of Los Angeles, and you better believe we found our fair share of great eateries. Any time of day, this relatively unassuming stretch between Beverly Hills and downtown Los Angeles has some delicious options.

Between around 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. a ton of famous L.A. food trucks are parked out front of the Variety Building (5900 Wilshire), and the 5750 Wilshire offices (which includes E!).

The Counter (for a custom burger and a quality milkshake)

Mixt Greens (healthy made-to-order salads and sandwiches)

Umami Burger La Brea (a BEAT favorite)

Caffe Latte (well-made espresso drinks, breakfast, muffins, soup, hearty salads, etc.)

Tawanni Thai (very decent strip mall Thai food, their tofu yellow curry was my go-to favorite)

Luna Park (good happy hour specials, pleasant little outdoor sidewalk area)

Stark Bar at LACMA (for creative cocktails and small plates)

Enjoy!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Do It. Gainsbourg And His Girls at the Silent Movie Theatre.

A couple years ago, I read what a fan Beck is of Serge Gainsbourg's Historie de Melody Nelson, and high-tailed it to Amoeba to get a copy.

This past weekend, there was a Serge Gainsbourg Tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Performers included Beck, Zola Jesus, Victoria Legrand of Beach House, Sean Lennon, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among others.

These days, it seems more Americans may know who Charlotte Gainsbourg (21 Grams, I'm Not There., Antichrist) is than her late famous French father, but a new documentary is in town to change that. Many of his numerous muses are featured in the film--Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Hardy, and Vanessa Paradis.

The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre is screening Gainsbourg And His Girls tonight through Friday.

611 North Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. Tickets $10. Info: cinefamily.org, (323) 655-2510

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: France 3 + Morgane Productions

Eat Out. Canter's 80th anniversary.

Canter's is undoubtedly one of L.A.'s most classic restaurants. And today, you can celebrate their 80th (!!!) anniversary with them by enjoying their infamous corned beef sandwich, potato salad, pickle and chocolate rugelach-- all for just 80 cents! Really! Just stop by their Fairfax spot between 4pm and 12am today and get your grub on.

If you can't make it to the restaurant today -- or if you want another chance at an amazing 80-cent meal -- get to following the Canter's food truck this week. They'll be giving away special VIP Anniversary Vouchers that can be used anytime after today. Only 80 are given out each day, so good luck! Here are the locations.

Canter's is located at 419 North Fairfax Ave. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Canter's

Drink Out. Golden State [Thirsty Thursdays!].

When Golden State first opened, they were definitely trying to ride the L.A. burger-hype wave. And while those burgers -- and all the other food on the menu, from the fries to sandwiches to potato salad to the Scoops ice cream! -- are absolutely delectable and fresh-tasting, I've come to realize that what the restaurant really needs to be known for is its booze.

Golden State has, from the start, always championed craft beers, and that doesn't just mean they offer the seasonal ale from Blue Moon. The blackboard menu of tap choices is always changing, and offer really fun varieties from all over. And if you don't know what you want, the owners will be more than happy to guide you with their expertise. But really, with each of the beers specifically picked out, you can't go wrong.

And if you're feeling adventurous, go all-out with a beer float, coupling Old Rasputin with one of the Scoops flavors on hand. Great food, beer and dessert -- what more could you ask for?

Golden State is located at 426 N. Fairfax Ave. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: LA Weekly

Do It. Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers at Family.

Now that Lauren's told you about the awesome Family bookstore on Fairfax, it's time to check out the cool events they put on--like this Saturday's double book launch, featuring a Q&A and signing with filmmaker Spike Jonze and author Dave Eggers.

The two made a collaborative splash together last year when they released the film version of Where the Wild Things Are, but now they're promoting their separate projects (albeit together, which is cute). Jonze is representing a behind-the-scenes book about a short he released earlier this year named I'm Here, a sort of robot romance that stars one of my favorite new actors Andrew Garfield (he's going to be the 'new' Spiderman). Eggers, meanwhile, continues on his not-fiction run with his first book of drawings titled It Is Right to Draw Their Fur (I'm really hoping that's his work up there in the poster). He'll be interviewing Jonze for the Q&A, and then there'll be a live performance by Aska, whose music appeared in I'm Here.

Even with Jonze alone, this event is sure to be entertaining, but it'll be even greater to see the two friends play off of each other and support each other's works. Again, Family is pretty tiny, so be sure to get there way before the 8:30pm start time to grab a chance at meeting the two; it's doubtful you'll regret it.

Family is located at 436 N. Fairfax Ave. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Family.

This is one of my favorite LA bookstores, Family on Fairfax Avenue across from Canter's Deli. Despite its tiny storefront, it's filled with excellent books, obscure artsy films, photography and comic books, music, and even has a gallery in the back.

Every time I come here I end up reading the first page of at least five or six really amazing sounding books, and regret when I have to leave.

They usually have several compilation books, including back issues of McSweeney's and the Best American Nonrequired Reading Series, as well as various Bukowski, Fante, Murakami, Sedaris, Miranda July. Basically any good book you may have been looking for is probably here. Each title that's for sale here is hand selected and must meet rigorous standards before getting placed on Family's shelves.

They also have really interesting movie titles from all around the world, and a good selection of CDs.

They also collaborate with CineFamily at the Silent Movie Theater and often have shows and literary events.

Family is located at 436 N. Fairfax Ave. and is open noon-9 p.m. daily.

-- Lauren Williams

Do It. 'Seven Chances' Valentine's Matinee.

A silent film set in 1920's Los Angeles--Buster Keaton's "Seven Chances" is a perfect comedy to see on Valentine's Day, and it's playing at the Silent Movie Theatre on Sunday evening. Keaton (The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr.) is great visual comedian. He directs and stars in this 1925 hit presented by the Cinefamily. It's just 56 minutes long, so you can still make that dinner reservation.

February 14, 6:00 p.m. screening

Tickets are $12

The Silent Movie Theatre is located at 611 N. Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: movie-rapid.com