Kate Hudson Stars in Kung Fu Panda 3 as Mei Mei! #KungFuPanda

Kate Hudson Stars in Kung Fu Panda 3!

By Patrick &  Erin

*We were invited as media to attend a sneak peek of Kung Fu Panda 3 and interview with the lovely Kate Hudson.*

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Dreamworks has done it again! Returning with its biggest comedy adventure yet, Kung Fu Panda 3 returns, staring Kate Hudson as the voice of Mei Mei. The film will tell the story of Po’s (Jack Black) discovery of a secret panda village, including his long-lost father Li (Bryan Cranston).  Kate voices Mei Mei who is an aspiring ribbon dancer. On January 29th, Kung Fu Panda 3 is coming to theaters across the country.  Whether you want to see it with your kids or were a fan of the previous films, there are a ton of reasons to be excited about this movie.  We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Jack Black’s latest romp during a trip to Dreamworks Studios.  After the screening, we caught up with Kate Hudson (who does the voice of Mei Mei, a new character) in a round table interview to talk about the movie.

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“Mei Mei” the character that Kate Hudson is the voice for.

This was Hudson’s first time doing an animated film, and she was excited about the opportunity to try something different.  “Anybody who’s an actor or performer, you know, that’s what we love,” she said.  “The whole point is trying new things.”  She said a large difference between live and voice acting is the amount of hyperbole you’re allowed to put into the character, especially since you read lines alone in a room: “We just had to be so big and so huge.  And it was so much fun to do in a booth where you just to go there, and you go so far that you end up cracking yourself up.”

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Her character, Mei Mei is a fellow panda who shows up in the movie when Po final finds his native town.  She is vibrant with a big personality that screams girl power.  “It’s sort of like I had that kind of confidence sometimes,” she said about Mei Mei.

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This latest installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise promises to offer a larger, grander experience than the previous two movies.  We get to meet Po’s biological father, and see a new panda village full of new, vibrant characters.  It will bring a whole new dimension to Jack Black’s lovable character.  This also means a bunch of A-list actors that will be added to the cast for this movie.  “The cast is insane,” said Hudson.  “Bryan Cranston, J.K. Simmons, it’s amazing!  It’s such a cool thing to be a part of.”  The cast also boasts Seth Rogan, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman.

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Group shot with Kate Hudson.

In Theaters on January 29th! 

Kung Fu Panda 3 Official Site 

‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ on Facebook

Follow DreamWorks Animation on Twitter 

Instagram 

Enjoy City Tavern’s Seasonal Winter Delights!|#FIGat7th @FIGat7th

Enjoy City Tavern’s Seasonal Winter Delights!

By Erin

Have you been enjoying the holidays? With so many seasonal and holiday goodies out there to choose from, it’s hard to decide what to get or where to go! Well, I have a few more items that you won’t want to miss out on. City Tavern located at FIGat7th in DTLA has some amazing winter and holiday food and drink delights to ring in the new year with.

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FIGat7th is all decked out with pretty lights, snowflakes and a beautiful tree.

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It’s been pretty chilly here in LA. Make sure you try one of these to warm up! The Winter Spice: Chai tea and vanilla bean infused spiced rum with ginger, cinnamon and cream. $10 They are amazing…. the perfect winter cocktail. Once you have had one, you might just need to get a second one. They’re just that good. 🙂

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If you have a yummy Winter Spice Cocktail, then you’re going to want to have a charcuterie and cheese slate to go with it. Artisanal cured meats, farmhouse cheeses, crisps, seasonal jam, mustard and more. A very enjoyable and delicious way to sip and savor the flavors of the season.

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I love my veggies, so when it was recommended to me to try the charred brussels sprouts, I was all for it! Brussels Sprouts topped with Bacon and a sweet chili glaze, made for a heavenly veggie delight!

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For the holiday season, City Tavern has the grilled ham chop. A cured pork chop, corn cake, crispy poached egg, green beans, with a bourbon glaze. I loved every bite of this one. The ham was so tender and melt in your mouth good and I just love green beans and corn cake. Yum! This is a holiday treat you must try.

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All of the desserts here look so tasty, but we decided on one that I’ve always loved having as a child. The pineapple-upside-down-cake. Very moist and creamy topped with lots of fresh pineapple pieces.

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If you’re looking for some seasonal winter treats to sink your teeth into, make sure to stop on by to City Tavern at FIGat7th! You’ll be glad you did. Make sure to have one of those Winter Spice Cocktails for me too! 😉

Indulge LA: Chocolate & Pastry Show!|@IndulgeLA #IndulgeLA

Indulge LA: Chocolate & Pastry Show!

By Erin

*I will be attending this event as media. All thoughts and opinions remain my own*

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I love chocolate. And wine. Which is why I am so excited to be covering The Indulge LA Chocolate & Pastry Show, coming to Los Angeles on December 27th. If you haven’t already indulged in enough Christmas treats by then, you’ll have one more chance here before the new year rings in, when we’ll all be trying to stick to those new years resolutions to go back to eating healthier and all that. You have to treat yourself every once and awhile to something special like this though right? AND it’s for such a GREAT cause as this event also benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Another reason why I am so very excited for the Chocolate Festival and Pastry Show to hit Los Angeles is because Celebrity food critique Sophie Gayowill be here hosting the event. I recently had the chance to meet her and sit next to her at a very special media dinner at the Bel Air Bar and Grill (post to come soon about this magical experience. I say magical as it has ties to Disney) and she is a very amazing woman. I was honored to be in her presence, and to hear her words of wisdom, her fiery spirit, and words of inspiration, especially in light of the events that had just so recently happened in Paris. When I read that she was going to be here, it just made me that more excited to go.

Celebrity Dating Expert Brooke Lewis will also be in attendance to host the 7th Annual Indulge Los Angeles at the Olympic Collection.

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*Sophie Gayot*

The event will feature celebrity & top chocolatiers, pastry chefs and confectioners from across Southern California, New York, Washington DC, and Las Vegas. They will come together to put on a visual heaven in Los Angeles filled with sweet delights paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines, and spirits.

Among the celebrity chefs this year are MOF World Pastry Champion Stephane Treand, and World Champion Chocolatier Jean Marie Auboine.

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In years past, Indulge Los Angeles has attracted thousands of chocolate and dessert lovers from across the country, and this year is expected to have another great turn-out for this holiday season.

Indulge Los Angeles 2015 also benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Where: Olympic Collection 11301 Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064

When: December 27, 2015 1pm – 4pm   

Tickets:  $45-$95 Available at www.indulgela.net

Indulge LA on Social:

Indulge LA Website 

Indulge LA Facebook 

Indulge LA Twitter

Instagram

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What are some of your favorite chocolate treats to Indulge in? Hope to see you there!!! 🙂