GreyRepublic :: Social Club :: Los Angeles, CA

In The Zone Barbershop

2008-11-17T15:55:00Z

For my people in the San Fernando Valley, you know damn well there’s a shortage of GOOD black barbershops in the valley. I’ve been to 3.

There was some garbage-ass spot in North Hollywood whose people charge 12 bucks for a fucking lineup and don’t know who Cameo is (stoneface to that).

There’s Reggie’s Barbershop in Northridge, who was ok, but his shop was decrepit and on one occasion, Reggie himself looked like he lined up my hair during a fucking epileptic seizure and shit. Had my line looking a graph of the economy over the last year, jagged and miserable.

Then there’s IN THE ZONE barbershop. I stumbled upon it thanks to my dude Robert the White Girl Slayer. I’ve been there for about a year or so, and I’m hoping I don’t have to move anytime soon cuz this place cracks.

It’s kind of hidden off of White Oak in Granada Hills, but the place is nice, and comes equipped with a small ass TV and a pool table. On certain Friday afternoons there’s even a DJ.

There used to be 3 barbers at the shop: Kelvin (my barber), OJ, and Rich, who handles walk ins. They just picked up a new barber Lorenzo who also takes walk ins recently. All of these dudes are talented as hell and will NOT push your hairline back, word to Memphis Bleek.

Kelvin

Lorenzo(not Affion Crockett. or Jaleel White.)

If you’re in or near the valley, check it out. They don’t just do black folks hair either. Hell, they did mine, that should say enough.

Cuts By Kelvin

SpeedZone - City Of Industry

2008-09-16T18:09:00Z

One day randomly, we decided to go to Speedzone. Actually, I think this was somebodies idea for some reason. I just dont remember. Maybe it was Quan, and we were going for his birthday. Well, the point is, we went on a Saturday or Friday night.
Im not saying we didnt have fun. However, there were alot of people there. Which means, the time for all of us to race was limited and we spent a whole bunch of time in line for no reason.

Not only that, but if you do happen to show up with a large group of people and some of you decide to be slick and jump out of line and go fuck with another track, then come back… or even not be slick, walk around a little bit, and then come back. Somebody who is waiting in that long ass line WILL start to bitch at you. Kinda like what happen to us lol.

So Im not saying this place is wack. If you like to race and do shit like that, then I say go for it. I know I certainly do. But I really do advise NOT going on a friday or the weekend. Its seriously pointless if youre over 21 years old and looking for something to do. This place is like Dave and Busters with out the curfew and go carts. Inside there are games and fun and what not. As usual though, the prizes suck.

We still did manage to have a good time, well.... because its US, and thats what we do no matter what. But seriously recommend this place during the week, during the afternoon. Like if you and a group of friends want to take a Ditch day, get drunk during the day, have a couple of people to drive you home. This is the fucking SPOT! We actually do plan on doing that. I recommend you and your friends do the same.

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And now for the pictures lol ( By P )

Our Unofficial Sponsor

2008-08-04T06:49:01Z

Thats Right.

Random Venice Saturday

2008-08-04T06:55:01Z

Here is what Liz said (because jack her for her web content is what I do) “OJ & I met up with George for the first time, in Venice. We hang tough.”

Here are the pictures (I took a few lol)

ITS THE LAPD!!!

Dope pic Liz. Also pictured in this photo, Me. In the reflection. lol

Benny had us faded

Good times!!

Vu’s Birthday at Zanibar - Santa Monica

2008-08-04T06:13:00Z

Vu’s birthday party was hella fun. Here are some drunken highlights. I’ll let everybody else do the talking

Vu was super faded, early. And the girl to the right of us, is a waitress at Zanibar. She is fine. The end lol

Great Moment In Hook Up History lol

lol the caption for this reads “mean mugin while dave trys to show his good side” (dave is on the right) lol

dave = done

lol I sure did lol.

We get overly drunk a lot at this place (Zanibar). I wonder why that is?

Aunt Kizzys Back Porch - Marina Del Rey

2008-07-17T21:50:00Z

I dont know how long this review is gonna be honestly. Because I’m getting super sleepy. I have the itis, I’ll be sleep soon. I promise. Why? Because I just came back from Aunt Kizzys Back Porch for the first time. I’m going to have to use some throw back slang on this one… that place is THE LICK!!! Gotdamn! I am very ashamed to admit Ive been living in LA most of my life and I’ve never been here.
I dont know, may be I lost faith when I used to live by M&M’s and Roscoes, so I never really gave this place a shot, because alot of people fed me alot of hype about M&Ms and Roscoes. I dont care what anybody else has to say. I dont really like either. I wont bash Roscoes… publicly for other people to read forever. I’ll just say, I’m cool on Roscoes, unless somebody comes from out of town, or there is some kind of something going on for some really good reason. Other than that. I’ll pass. As far as M&M’s. I can eat that food at my Grandfather’s house, up the street, for free. I dont eat there often either (read= ever? lol).
But from now on, I will be making regular trips to the city ( I live in the valley ), I dont care how high gas is. I’ll just have to work it into the budget homie. I almost dont even want to try any other “Soul Food” spot. Seriously. The service was great and friendly. We did get there right when they opened. I hear this place is usually busy as hell. We just happen to be in the area and hungry. I had been wanting to try this place for a while. Im so glad I went today, but I’m still kind of salty I waited so long. I feel like I’ve wasted my life away. God I’m Sleepy and fading fast. lol

I had the BBQ Chicken, mac and cheese, green beans and yams. It was so good, I’m not going to even ramble on and on and on about it. I will say this though, the BBQ chicken was tender as hell, it fell apart. Holy Shit! I’m still full from 3 hours ago, but I feel like I want some more. I know some people like to be super picky with their sides, and I’m here to tell you that they are definitely worthy! The lemonade was sweet as hell… just how I like it!! I almost felt like I was eating at home for a hot second. MAN!
We lucked up too! There was no one else in the restaurant, so we got to kick it and laugh with the staff / owners? I dont know I’m too sleepy to read the site lol. They are super cool and funny as hell. So before our meal was ready, because we got there way hella early lol, we got to try one of their secret creations. Its not really a secret, its just not on the menu lol… URBAN EGG ROLLS! With chicken! Greatness! They were referring to them by another name, but I wont put that out there. Mainly because it was immediately suggested that they need to come up with a new name. So I suggested the name “Urban Egg Rolls”. Yea, probably not hard to guess what it was before that lol. But “Urban Egg Rolls” are the lick!! Hopefully they end up on the menu. If they do, you know where they came from! Im not gonna say what the other secret / non menu item was, I’d hate for somebody to steal their idea. And I really want to taste it!! Because the Urban Egg Rolls were hella good. I hear they have great Peach Cobbler too. But I dont like peaches so I’ve never even had BAD peach cobbler lol. So I couldnt really tell you if it was good or not. But I know thats important to some people and its hard to find good Peach Cobbler in LA (so I hear) so of course I’m just trying to help.

Alright, I’ve seriously been dragging my feet since I left. I had to sit through traffic on the way back to the valley too. Shit was tough, but it was worth it lol. So I’ll leave you with this. If you’ve never been to Aunt Kizzys, you should stop wasting your life and head there now.

Before I forget. I’m also pretty glad that I went because they are moving locations soon (with in the next two weeks I think). So, I’ve always known where this place was, but never went in. So I very well could have gone over there, and the place was just GONE. And I would have never got to enjoy the greatness that is Aunt Kizzys. They said they are moving to Ocean and Washington. They will have a bar with beer and wine, and a porch for dining. Dope huh? Cant wait. If you see some tall Black guy eating over in the corner by himself looking like he is trying not to have some kind of sexual food experience. Thats probably me lol.

INFO: http://auntkizzys.com/

I’d put the address thats on the flyer that says their moving, but I’m sleepy and cant find it. But the website should serve you well. Like this nap is about to do me.

Mr. Cecil’s Rib Shack, Sherman Oaks, CA

2008-04-17T00:15:00Z

So, for our inaugural TGP event, we headed over to Mr. Cecil's Ribs in Sherman Oaks. I've been there a few times before, and by the name we obviously knew the specialty was ribs.

http://www.mrcecilscaliforniaribs.com/

Myself and a few others were there early, and let me tell you, the bartender hooked us up something lovely while we were waiting for the rest of the Republic to show up. 4 buck imports, and DAMN well made Mojitos started the dinner off nicely.

After we all settled down, the table ordered a slew of different things. For those who were undecided on ribs, hot links, or whatever else, there's Jonathan's Selection. A sampler of ribs, St Louis style ribs, semi-dry wings, chili, pork and beans, and hush puppies definitely would fill most folks up. I'd say that's one of their best dishes, a little bit of everything.

I've had the selection a couple of times, so I had my way with a hot link sandwich, which was a pretty shitty idea. The hot link itself is GREAT, the bun, not so much. It was on a plain ass bun, like from Food 4 Less or some shit. So overall the taste was mediocre, and the fries were eh. From now on I'm sticking to the ribs, which is definitely the specialty there.

The ribs themselves I believe are dry rub, but I'm no rib expert. I just know the shit tastes good as hell. There's an offering of two different bbq sauces, one that's sweet and one that's tangier with a bit more spice.

In terms of the sampler, the wings are top notch, and I AM a wing snob. They're dry and covered with just the right amount of spicy wing sauce, which isn't too vinegary.

All in all, a good experience. Stick to the ribs, sampler, and wings though, and you're good money.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about the cornbread. Also pretty damn good. nice and moist but not too dense.

Retro out!

Hugos Tacos: Studio City

2008-01-24T06:43:00Z

Right under the 101 Freeway and Coldwater Canyon, on the north side... right before you get on the 101 west. There is a small taco stand called Hugos Tacos. It kind of looks like a new building, or one of those old apartments out there in studio city, where some old guy snazzed the building up and made the outside look brand new and painted over the wires on the inside. Yea, like that. But its not dirty or nasty or anything, its a real nice sit down spot..... WHERE THEY HAVE SOME OF THE BEST TACOS EVER!! First I must say that I am not latino, so I probably dont all the way know anything about good tacos. But dammit these were effin great! I can really only compare them to the tacos some Mexican family sells at the LA Auto Show every year. Their chicken tacos are worth the 7 bucks (because its the damn car show... but they're really good).
But I think I might like Hugos Tacos better, because they are alot juicier. They have all kinds of salsa like honey chipotle, salsa negra ( peep the menu for more ). All kinds of fillings, chicken, fish, and a bunch of other off the wall shit id never think to put in a taco, but I'd try under the right circumstances (read: if I wasnt sober). They even have organic options.
I could go on and on about the tacos I had from here, and how I was swerving in traffic killing the three chicken tacos they blessed me with. But Im sure if you take your ass down there, you will be happy to have found out for your self!

The website says they have a two restaurants. Im going to have to check these places out as well. Ill be back with a full review. One day lol.

Hugos Tacos

4749 Coldwater Canyon
Studio City, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 762-7771

Wood Ranch Bar And Grill: Northridge

2007-09-22T11:04:00Z

Some how I always forget how much I like this place. Then I sit down and look at the menu, and remember why I dont frequent the place. Not saying its expensive. But if you dont have 20 bucks for you, keep it movin. Other than that though? I dont eat beef or pork, but as far as I know everything on the menu is good as hell. I dont think Ive ever had anything from this place i didnt like. The bbq chicken potato skins appetizer... GGGGEEEZZZUUSSS.

On my last visit I ordered the Freshwater Idaho Rainbow Trout, and you can get it prepared a few different ways. I can remember how I ordered mine. I just remember something about it being marinated and then something else on top of that. It was pretty damn good. Along with the mashed potatoes.
I used to have a friend that worked here as a bartender, he used to make the best effeng mojitos ever in life. This place has a pretty good happy hour, so we used to go up there and order appetizers and get hooked up with a few free drinks. On top of the ones we paid for. Needless to say, Ive stumbled out of that place in the middle of the after noon on a Wednesday a few times lol. It goes down.

I highly recommend this place if you got the money to spend. If you want to do something a little different. Be warned though, 2 things. For one, it was cold as hell in there, and usually is. Two, well, I dont mean to be a jack ass, but depending on who you are, you might immediately notice the group of people that frequent the place. Not that there is anything wrong with the crowd. I just know a couple of people who wouldnt go because of the people who hang out there. Which is pretty skanless. But I kind of understand lol. Dont bother me though.

The Loggia

2006-10-12T16:42:40Z

Every friday night, on hollywood and highland, at the kodak center, you will see the normal mixing bowl of people on hollywood blvd. but in the back of those people, posted against the wall, standing in line you will see a collection of very trendy (in somebodies genre of fashion) fabulous people waiting to dive into some little crack in the wall next to the big ass escalator in the front of the kodak center. This crack in the wall will take you to a little hall where you will be presented with an elevator door. First the guys that tend the rope will frisk you to the point where you will wonder if you should be filing a case later or not. And thats IF these guys even let you in. But thats another story. So once you get in the elevator, you go to the top floor. There you will find The Loggia, which is catered by Wolfgang Puck. And if you make reservations and show up in between 7 and 10, you can get your fine dine on. Which would then be a win / win because I hear the food is great. But probably expensive seeing as that the menu had no prices. Or at least i dont remember them, I wasnt sober, maybe I managed not to see it. It was dark too, yea thats it.

This place though, is on the roof top of the Highlands and the Club behind that. Which used to be the VIP or an extra room to the highlands but i dont know. Actually, the guy who promotes this spot, he moved from the place in the back to upstairs from the highlands. The loggia is part indoors, part outdoors. There is enough outdoors to bring a jacket or something if its cold. Plan on being outside all night is what im saying. You dont HAVE to be once you get up there, but its hard to avoid at some point. The atmosphere at this place though, is great. There is plenty of room to dance (2 dance floors / 4 dj's). Plenty of room to sit. Like if your name was Drew and that kinda thing was important to you. Drinks are nice and strong ( and not cheap -- bring doe ). Also, at this place you are liable to see a celeb or 4, nobody SUPER over famous that might have paparazzi in the place. Just celebs that you may or not miss if youre too drunk lol. Maybe that just me.

But damn this place. Im going to be honest. If you expect to have a good time here. ARRIVE EARLY. Especially if you dont have enough females with you. It will be a sour situation. The security will look you in the face all night and have the nerve to have a tiny conversation with you. Even if it is a pack of girls. Still get there early, because there are another 30 packs of girls ahead of you. This place has no shortage of females. Thats why i say, arrive early, Doors open at 10. Dinner is over at 11. if you get to the kodak center at 10:30 on a night thats suppose to be poppin, forget about it. Guest list cloeses at 10:30. AND you might have to come out of pocket 20+ if you manage to get after 10:30. This place is guest list only. And here is the website where you can get more information AND get on the guestlist. (Click Here Homie) When you send that email make sure you tell them you heard about the place at the greyrepublic.om, not that by doing that you will be rewarded with anything special. But its good for the site lol.

Hopefully I didnt manage to turn you off to this place. I really like it. Im just not one for arriving early to a damn thing. Its a real effort. Usually, I dont make it in time. I either have to give up some doe, or say "fuck this line" and do something else. But the other night, sigh, they were giving away free mojitos until 10:30 (it was a one time thing). Now im not a lush really, but more of a social drinker. Rarely am I drunk by myself. But Peta-Gay, Olivea (i know i spelled it wrong - sorry lol)[thumb:694:r] and I were the first in line that night. Free Mojitos? I made that effort. Hate to sound like a girl, or a lush. But thats just hard to pass up when you wasnt doin shit after 7 no way. Might as well. So I did. And got in line 4 different times. Thats right, we all put down for of them bitches lol. Dont worry, they didnt even spark a buzz. I felt pretty damn dumb for not realizing that they werent going to give these drinks away for free AND put a decent amount of liquor. Oh well, they were still the best damn mojiotos i ever had in my life. They even came with a sugar cane! People were chewing on them all night. Although the mojitos werent strong, I was faded by midnight. Alls well that ends well. lol Did I mention this place closes at 3? This place definitly cracks. If youre willing to not be lazy about getting out the house. Too bad thats not always the case with me. lol

You know what? I find that im hanging out at the kodak center alot. Maybe thats because parking isnt 20 bucks there. Maybe I should just park there and take a cab some where else in hollywood? HM? Let him deal with all that traffic.

Details:

The Loggia
Restaurant & Night Club6801 Hollywood Blvd 90028
10pm-3am(Entrance off of Hollywood Blvd next to Banana Republic)

4 DJ's2 Dance FloorsMain Room
Hip Hop | R&B
Garden Terrace
House | Rock | Indie
A Lovely Outside Patio with an Amazing View Overlooking Hollywood Blvd
Upscale Ambiance, Valet or Self Parking.

Complimentary Guest List Closes at 10:30
(Strict Upscale Dress Code)

RSVP at sirmatthews@aol.com or
TEXT 310.617.1892

If you haven't eaten up at The Club
then you're really missing out the food is excellent!!!
The Loggia Catered by Wolfgang Puck is open for dinner on
Friday Nights between
7:00pm and 11:00pm.

Dress code of upscale-casual is strictly enforced, though nice jeans are permissible with a blazer. However, absolutely no athletic attire is allowed.

Labor Day 06

2006-09-10T21:03:09Z

First off... thanks to everybody that came out! There was laughs there was bunch of food that was hella good ( THANKS TO RESHA ) there was inebriation ( THANKS TO RJ AND JUAVE LEMONADE! ).

Secondly, screw all you bastards who i wasted my time giving directions to and you didnt come!! JK! LOL im just playin, i know i live far as hell. I wouldnt have came either if i had better shit to do. (chances are we had a better time than you did though lol)

Next up: BLOWED GIVING!!! ah yea!

Here go the few drunken pics we managed to take

For what ever reason, nobody thought to take pictures during the middle of the event. just at the start and end lol. dont ask me why, i was faded, as the pictures will show lol.

Lastly, I have a little announcement, The Grey Republic will be starting a "Supper Club" if you will. Every other week or so we ( and you, if you would like to join us ) are going to be picking out a restaurant to have dinner or happy hour. Either or. These outings will be during the week, probably thursdays ( why not? lol ) after work... 7ish.
MORE INFO TO COME!

Citizen Smith - Hollywood

2006-08-31T11:15:00Z

For my homeboys birthday, his wife invited all of us out with them to Citizen Smith. Its a resturant / bar, well here, ill just post this from the site. But first Happy Birthday to Theo!

Given free reign by owner Andrew Belchic to interpret his “bistro for everyman,” Thomas Schoos Design has envisioned a destination that plays upon stark urban contrasts – young and old, light and dark, then and now. Entrances are marked by distressed, antique wooden doors. The Cahuenga Avenue entry opens to a mammoth mahogany bar that runs the length of the dining room, set off by smoked mirrors that reflect the glimmer of Schoos’ signature wall of candlelight. The opposite wall cradles individual, private booths, backed from floor to ceiling in geometric patterns of cowhide – an homage to Piet Mondrian that finds itself repeating throughout the space.

Designed to be altered as the dinner hour meets the late night, the tables are removed and replaced by ottomans, creating intimate, clandestine lounging space. Above, the ceiling treatments reflect the locale of the establishment, with wrought iron chandeliers encased in glass cubes, illuminating transparent photographs of Hollywood residents current and past. The in-your-face glamour of old Hollywood is reawakened in the adjoining dining room, distinguished by a massive bar and wall-sized mirror sheathed in sterling silver. The private Candle Lounge accommodates thirty guests. Diners are seated around one communal table, fashioned from two immense, antique wooden doors. A tangle of tree limbs descends from above, washing the room in a twinkling of candle light.

Thats a bit much on it, but very accurate. I like this place, even though the food is a bit pricey, but good as hell. I regret not finishing off two of my big ass chicken strips, that sadly did not come with no kinda fries. But its all good because the fact that thier Mojitos came in glass jar / bottles ( to be pictured ) was great!! All there drinks do infact. I dont know why, but i really did enjoy the hell of that.

As far as the Mojito though, it was pretty damn good! One of the best ive had in a while. Thats right, im well on my way to becoming LA's Official Mojito taster. lol

We went on a Thursday night, and the place wasnt exactly empty but no where near packed at 11pm-ish Finding parking for this place might be a pain in the ass, or if youre smart like Theo and his wife, you could valet. I managed to miss that some how lol.

I like this place id go again.

Citizen Smith
1602 N Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028 (Directions)
Phone: 323-461-5001 Fax: 323-461-5003

PIX:

Theo and his wife Chasity

The Snazzy Glass I spoke on

These chicken stripes were hella big and juicy as hell. The Honey Mustard sauce was bangin too!

Theos Cajun Shrip and Chasitys Mac-n-cheese. Both very tasty. The Cajun sauce was pretty good with my chicken strips too!

Hennessey’s - Redondo Beach

2006-08-09T15:59:21Z

Live from the Grey Republic Message Board. Here is SixTEN's Review of Hennessey's in Redondo Beach.

Hennessey's is one of those rare occurances where you find good food at a bar.

Fire and Ice?

Fire:

Kitchen's open 'till 12:30 am.

The baseball steak is delicious. Scarf it down with your favorite beer if you drink beer.

2 floors, pretty spacious, even on days where you expect a lot of people to sit to eat or drink.

It's right next to the Kettle.

Ice:

Parking is generally limited due to the area and other shops/restaurants.

The theme is Irish, which doesn't bother me that much but it may not be one of you guys' forte.

My Reccomendation: Baseball steak + Heffenweizer.

Next time im down that way, Im going to have to check this out. I wish more clubs served food. Is that dumb?

Sol Y Luna - Tarzana

2006-08-09T15:50:05Z

The great thing about being a web professional is the meetings. Except the ones at Starbucks. I hate startbucks. I feel i can say that because ive been to plenty of Starbucks. More than ive ever wanted to go to. Partly because half of the meetings Ive had over the last 6 years, have been at at starbucks, and it was dirty. The other times i was there, it was because my roommate is addicted to starbucks, and every time we go some where .... sigh. But this isnt about how nasty i think almost every starbucks is. This is about the other times i have meetings at great restaurants around LA. The other day, I had a meeting over at Sol Y Luna in Tarzana. Right across the street from a bowling alley i never knew existed, Corbin bowl. On Corbin and Ventura. Well i never knew Sol Y Luna existed either until i got directions on how to get there. Its kinda easy to miss if youre trying not to hit somebody on busy ass Ventura. Valet parking is 3 bucks, which is well worth not getting murked on Ventura and contributing to traffic.

I walked up to this place and it felt like i walked onto the set of Once Apon A Time In Mexico when Johnny Depp went in the kitchen and shot the cook. We will talk about the cook getting dumped on in a second. In this super authentic Mexican restaurant that smells super great, they got a bar ( WOOOO ) and a dude posted some where off in the corner drinkin gin and juice, playing the guitar, singin somethin in Spanish that sounds great! Even though you dont understand what he is saying.
They also got a guy on the cart that makes you fresh Guacamole at your table. Which cracks, for every one that isnt me. Every time I eat guac, there is instantly a riot goin on in my stomach. It sucks. But damn that guac looks great! Yea i tried a lil bit, and it was pretty damn good. Dont know how I dodged that riot, but it was smelling way too good.

Too bad i cant say the same for the burrito i ordered. Something about rajas, i dont remember exactly. I just remember that somebody neglected to season that bad boy. It was a bad situation. Im not giving up though. It wasnt good. But not in a bad way if that makes sense. I feel like i just gotta find the right thing to order there, and then order JUST that, every time i go.
Hopefully im not making a cheap excuse to go back there just to have another Mojito though. This place has pretty great Mojitos. Did i mention they were pretty damn strong? Now Im no light weight or nothing. And its possible that I could have not had alot on my stomach at the time, but after i had one, i was feeling it. I couldnt believe it. One of the people i was meeting with had one, and she was buzzed after one.
Did I mention this is a great place to drink? I probably should. If you like to drink at Mexican restaurants ( i know i do! ) this can definitely be a regular spot.

Sol Y Luna 
19601 Ventura Blvd 
Tarzana, CA 91356 
818-343-8488

Navigate!

Now Open!

2006-08-06T11:57:00Z

The Grey Republic blog is now open. Why should you be celebrating silently with in yourself? Well first off, We are a small Social Society in LA. LA is a big place, and there are plenty things to do. Plenty of Night Clubs, Restaurants, Festivals, Events and not to mention great spots to enjoy the California sunshine.

This website will serve as a chronicle of our good times, and possibly as a guide to entertaining ones self in Los Angeles.

Enjoy!