» Cyndi Finkle: Photographer + Owner, Artworks Studios & Coffee+Food

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Cyndi Finkle: Photographer + Owner, Artworks Studios & Coffee+Food

Food, Fun and Other Goodies Chosen With An Artful Eye

Cyndi is a true renaissance woman. She's both a caterer and photographer but we've become friends through her amazing, Artworks Studio on Larchmont Boulevard (there's a second location in Culver City). My kids go to her camps whenever possible and bring home the most sophisticated and inventive projects. I could go on and on but bottom line is this: I've never seen my kids more inspired. She's got an amazing group of instructors, and she's a mom as well, which I think adds a special something to the experience.

Posted on July 19th, 2011

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Eat/Drink + Celebrate

Picture Perfect VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: Samy's Camera 431 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles [Mid City] My favorite, "point and shoot" camera is the Leica D Lux. It has a Zeiss lens, shoots very well in low light and you can set it to take black and white, digital photos.
Sweet Idea VISIT WEBSITE My favorite treat is the Craft cupcake from Diana Sproveri. It is chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, topped with soft caramel and sea salt. Perfection.
Backstock This Bottle VISIT WEBSITE A great wine to back-stock is, "Franciscan Cabernet," which I keep it on hand as my house wine. It is consistent and good with everything. It is $20 a bottle and they sell it everywhere -including Trader Joes.
My Goddess Moment VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 3915 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles [Korea Town] I love the Olympic Spa near Crenshaw where you can get a, "Goddess Treatment," which literally scrubs you from stem to stern. There are various baths to soak in, a steam room and sauna.
Terrific Tacos LOCATION: 3809 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles [Mid City East]Jot down this amazing spot for fish tacos....La Cevicheria on Pico, just East of Crenshaw. The owners are super nice, and the food is amazing. Get the shrimp ceviche and fish tacos. If you like a spicy treat, go for the fresh fish of the day cooked in habanero sauce.
An Enchanted Experience VISIT WEBSITE My favorite place to gather with friends is in the tipi with Andrea of, "The Enchanted Circle." You have to experience it.
Tried and True At Trader Joes VISIT WEBSITE I love Trader Joes and have so many, "go to's" there, that it's hard to list them all. But you should definitely try the boxed, Cinnamon Crumb Cake.....it's super easy to make and really good! I have made it in a big pan and also in individual servings for a dinner party. Use the butter and milk option and layer the topping throughout the batter! Also, the mini and chocolate croissants in the freezer section. You let them rise over night and bake them in the morning. They are warm and delicious.....and worth the splurge!
So Cheesy VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 8777 W. Washington Boulevard, Culver City [Helms Bakery Area] I love a cheese board from Surfas. I usually get 3 or 5 strong cheeses. David, their cheese buyer, is a genius and full of insight and information. If you go there, definitely work with him. You'll leave with some great cheeses and a lot of new information.
A Warm Appetizer For Your Arsenal I entertain a lot so I always have go-to recipes I can count on. My Mushroom and Gruyere Galette is so simple and savory. Just combine 1 pack each of 3 different kids of mushrooms (shitake, button...whatever), 1 bag, precut onions. 2 cloves of garlic, chopped and 2 large, chopped shallots. Season with Salt and Pepper and Saute in Olive Oil with 1T butter (You can even do this ahead of time and store in the fridge). When you're ready to bake just tear single sections of Trader Joes Croissant Dough, in half and use it as the base. Put mushroom mixture inside and fold the edges over the top. Sprinkle with gruyere cheese and bake at 350, until golden. Serve hot, warm or room!
And A Cold One As Well Grilled asparagus with prociutto is classic and easy! Season the asparagus with salt, pepper and olive oil, grill outside or on a grill pan and wrap in prociutto and served at room temperature. Arranged in a row on a beautiful tray, they look so pretty on the table and they're a simple, finger food.