From Portland to Phoenix, The Thomas Sisters Are Bringing Vintage On Demand Typewritten Poetry Nationwide with The Zelda Fitzgeralds

From Portland to Phoenix, The Thomas Sisters Are Bringing Vintage On Demand Typewritten Poetry Nationwide with The Zelda Fitzgeralds

By Matt Bourquardez, Edible Skinny

“She quietly expected great things to happen to her, and no doubt that’s one of the reasons why they did.”

--Zelda Fitzgerald

Zelda Fitzgerald was an American socialite, novelist, painter, and wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald; she was noted for her beauty and high spirits, and was dubbed by her husband as "the first American Flapper.  She had one published novel (Save Me The Waltz), and many more of her writings found their way into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels (she once wrote in the New York Tribune of her husband that he “seems to believe that plagiarism begins at home.”).  So it it would seem only fitting that a vintage inspired On Demand Typewriting Poetry brand would chose to honor her through naming themselves The Zelda Fitzgeralds.

“Zelda Fitzgerald was a whirlwind and wonder of a woman.  It is said, F. Scott Fitzgerald used to read her journal and steal snippets of her writing,” notes The Zelda Fitzgeralds Co-Creator Kelly Grace Thomas.  “My sister and I were saddened by how long her talent was hidden from the world.  For this reason, we created The Zelda Fitzgeralds to give Zelda, and really all poets out there, a voice, and a paycheck.  To put their talent in the forefront.   We hope to bring Zelda’s essence and charisma to every client we write for.”

In the last five years typewritten poetry has become quite “The Thing.”  From the release of the typewriter documentary California Typewriter to the emergence of typewriting poetry groups like the Boston Typewriter Orchestra, silent writers the Bumbys, and the in your face-ness Haiku Guys.  Tom Hanks is a collector of typewriters, famed to own over two hundred and fifty typing machines.   And in the midst of this “typewriting poetry revolution,” that the sister team of Kelly Grace Thomas and Kat Thomas created The Zelda Fitzgeralds.

The two gals have creativity in their DNA.  “Kelly’s a nationally ranked poet (though she doesn’t like me to call her that),” boasts The Zelda Fitzgerald Co-Creator (and the elder of the two) Kat Thomas.  “She’s the winner of the 2017 Neil Postman Award for Metaphor from Rattle, a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, and a Best of the Net nominee; that’s pretty impressive!”  Kat’s “Day Job” was specializing in vintage entertainment as Director of Development at Do Right Industries.  “I’ve produced and performed in events for the last six years, in 29 states across the country.  I definitely know how to entertain people!”     

And so, the sisters took the best of both their worlds to create The Zelda Fitzgeralds.  “Kelly and I were looking to go into business together.  We figured let’s take what I know of vintage events and what Kelly knows of the poetry world, to create something magical” notes Kat.  “We bought our first Royal Epoch Portable Manual Typewriters on Amazon (yes you can buy typewriters on Amazon), and the rest is history!”  

“We feel the best poetry is in person,” notes Kelly with a smile.  “Our Zeldas spend a few minutes getting to know each guest’s story: what brought them to the event, what brings them joy, what are their dreams.....”  From that in a fast five minutes, the Zeldas craft a one-of-a-kind original poem written just for them.  Since starting two years ago the Zeldas have been featured at events across the country from Portland to Phoenix, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.  Clients have included posh weddings, cannabis speakeasies, and more corporate events then The Zelda Fitzgeralds can count.  

To both sisters, being able to give professional poets an outlet to do their craft and get paid was really exciting.  Poetry isn’t a high income, or really any income, career choice.   But with The Zelda Fitzgeralds in the game, poets now have the opportunity to make money at something love.  “I absolutely adore hiring creative people,” notes Kat. “We have some incredibly talented roster of writers: Poet Laureates, Neil Postman Award for Metaphor Winners, and Fellows for the Kenyon Review, just to name drop a few.”

The Zelda Fitzgerald’s overall mission is to give poetry to the masses of people who don’t normally get to experience it.  The Zeldas call them Muggles (the word for the Non-Magical beings from Harry Potter series), people who might not have encountered a poem since fourth grade.   “When our poets find out what these people love, and then write an individual poem for them in under ten minutes, the guests are floored.” 

We recently had our poets at a private event at The Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix.  The mansion is a landmark building constructed in 1931 by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.  “There were over a thousand guests at this Great Gatsby themed event, with tons of entertainment to delight them.  And we closed the party down,” notes Kat.  

These poems leave a lasting impression with the Zeldas guests.  They are taken home and hung on refrigerators doors and cork boards for days, months, even years to come.  A tidbit of information that has been fully recognized by the Zeldas’ corporate clients looking to promote their logo with some branded typewriting paper.  “Poetry is a window to the soul, and when we open that window, people allow themselves to embrace their emotional vulnerability,” states Kelly.  “I’ve seen people cry, I’ve seen people laugh.  Almost everyone ends up hugging our poets.”  

“We have always been fascinated by the way Zelda Fitzgerald drank in every ounce of life,” explains Kelly.  “She carried so many storms and celebrations inside her.”  And so dressed in Derby Hats, beaded dresses, and strings of pearls, The Zeldas Fitzgeralds bestow poems one click, clack, and ding at a time.  We think Miss Fitzgerald would celebrate by downing a glass champagne, smashing the glass, and dancing the Charleston in delight! 

Matt Bourquardez is a Writer for Edible Skinny. He has traveled the globe and rarely sees his house.

Sushi Roku: Redefining the Sushi Game

Sushi Roku: Redefining the Sushi Game

By Kelly Grace Thomas

When it comes to sushi, an adventurous cuisine, most of us have a tendency to play it safe.  Whether it be the predictable California roll or old Shrimp Tempura staple, many of us find ourselves in an ordering rut.  For those looking to add a little splash to the monotony, Sushi Roku is just the place.

Sushi Roku, owned by the Innovative Dining Group, recently celebrated their anniversary - eighteen years of deliciousness.  To commensurate the occasion newly appointed Executive Chef Tyson Wong, created a new menu, one packed with enticing ingredients, a bold and palatable sampling of just how deep flavor can go.  With dishes like Tuna Sashimi Carpaccio and Blue Crab Tartare this surprise of flavors is a welcomed change to the traditional hand roll or miso soup.  Besides the newest additions, Sushi Roku has also expanded their “secret menu.”  Meaning those with insider knowledge can choose from an ocean of exotic options.  From dishes like Spicy Pork Belly “Kakuni” Fried Rice to Blue Crab Tartare, just one bite of these delectable dishes will leave you talking for weeks to come.  Trust us. Edible Skinny was invited to sample some of Sushi Roku’s latest creations and before the second course we were already planning our return.

For those looking to start with something light Sushi Roku offers a variety of appetizers from both garden and sea.  Our vegetarian half of Edible Skinny loved Roku’s Nori Senbei, a crispy weightless seaweed cracker with wasabi cream in lightly fried puffed dough.  For those looking for a Gluten Free option, the secret menu offers both Truffle Edamame and Spicy Edamame, the perfect opportunity to start your meal with all of the flavor and none of the guilt.  Other health conscious, fresh-flavored choices include the King Crab Lettuce Cups, as well as the velvet smooth Yellowtail with Diced Chilies served with olive oil and garlic ponzu.

Wong’s expertise and guidance has also landed Sushi Roku as Sashimi experts, showing no matter how you slice or dice, their flavor is still layered thick. The Edible Skinny loved the Fluke Kumquat Sashimi with a light and tangy Yuzu Vinaigrette, as well as the Seared Albacore Sashimi with Fried Onions and Garlic Ponzu. But the evening’s standout was the Tuna Sashimi Carpaccio, served Katana style, with shaved Parmesan, micro arugula, truffle tamari soy and diced avocado.  Though this dish is not large in size, the flavors are huge.  With on bite, the many facets, of tied together textures and savory seasonings will leave you completely satiated.  This dish is quality over quantity, and oh boy, once you have tried it, it’s hard to look back.

Sushi Roku also offers other bite-sized starters, with lots of flavor.  Among them are the Aji Crudo, whose light accents are flavored with Jack Mackerel, ginger relish and Aji Amarillo sauce.  There is also the Hanabi, which is served seven different ways.  Edible Skinny had the pleasure of sampling the chef’s choice, prepared with yellowtail sashimi, diced red peppers, scallions and citrus soy.

But no tasting would be complete without a list of must trys.  And these are a must.  The following are our superstar, Sushi Roku favorites, favorites being an understatement.  After tasting these intricate dishes, Edible Skinny wondered, “Why go to sushi anywhere else?” For those who are more turf than surf, we recommend the melt-in-your-mouth, tender-yet-crunchy, can-I-eat-this everyday-please, Spicy Pork Belly “Kakuni” Fried Rice.  This eight-hour braised pork meat, which falls off the bone like butter, is arguably one of the best meats we tasted all year.  This perfect portion is then place on top a bed of fried rice, and garnished with a creamy fried egg.  Edible Skinny’s other vote for standout was the Blue Crab Tartare, which feels like the food version of silk pajamas.  Luxury. Luxury. Luxury.  Made with Santa Barbara Uni (sea urchin) and caviar, this dish is rich in a way that doesn't overwhelm. Its delicate and smooth texture feels like the first touch of velvet in a sea of sandpaper.  Though one of their pricer items, this undeniably one of the best seafood appetizers to be ordered in Los Angeles.

Try any one of these delectable offerings and you can’t go wrong.  From bold and brave dishes, to soft and savory, Sushi Roku’s new menu has something for everyone.  With these new offerings of exotic explorations, one thing is for sure, Sushi Roku is redefining the sushi same.

Sushi Roku has locations in Los Angles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Las Vegas and Scottsdale.

Capturing Elegance with the Macallan Masters

The Scottish culture has always been a delicate blend of tradition and class. So what better way to capture the essence of Scotland than through black and white photography and a well-crafted drink?

 On Thursday October 24, 2013, the Hollywood Elite and luminaries from the photography world focused their lenses on a noteworthy event, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Elliot Erwin Edition. 

With a Macallan drink in hand, crowds of up-and-comers and well-known glitterati, toured the Leica gallery in West Hollywood, being the first to experience the fourth edition of the award-winning Masters of Photography series, ‘Great Scottish Adventure.’ Notable attendees included photography star Elliot Erwin himself, as well as Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves, and many other aficionados and collectors.

The Elliot Erwin Edition is the newest edition of these unique limited collections, dedicated to honoring the precise art of whiskey making through the artists’ interpretation of the world of Macallan.  The past three editions have featured photographers such as Rankin, Albert Watson, and Annie Leibovitz.

In the fourth of the series, Macallan decided to commission Erwin, because of his ability to capture the candid complexities of Scotland through its warm and humorous glimpses.  His skill in making a moment speak, slowing it down to capture the glances, whispers and inside secrets, seems the perfect the companion to these distinguished single malt whiskeys, that has an ability to do the same. 

Erwin, known for capturing moments of honesty before they are be born, is most recognized for intimate portraits such as Jackie Kennedy at her husband’s funeral, and shots of Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Misfits.  Erwin gives his audience a glimpse into both an unapologetic intimacy and an overly publicized life. The Macallan Masters was an unusual contrast from Erwin's previous work because of Scotland’s diverse and commonplace range of subjects and backgrounds.

As Macallan’s mostextensive and ambitious exhibit to date, Macallan created 58 unique single cask whiskies to be individually paired with a different signed 11” x 14” photographs by Erwin. Among Macallan’s featured beverages were, The Macallan Sherry Oak, aged 12 years, The Macallan Fine Oak, aged 15 years and The Macallan Limited Edition, aged a ripe 18 years. The event also featured a signature cocktail appropriately named “The Perfect Ten” which was a mix of Macallan 10 and ginger beer.

Though each equally crafted, the Limited Edition 18, took the spotlight in the eyes of whiskey lovers.  While it shared similarities to the Fine Oak, which was only a few years younger, the Limited Edition had a developed and added complexity that can only come with age.  Perfected in specialized Sherry barrels, the Limited Edition is hinted with deep layers of honey and caramel that surfaced with time.  “It’s crazy to consider that this Scotch has been sitting in a barrel since I was in kindergarten,” said Scotch enthusiast and attendee, John Batoha.

Whisky and art seem to create the perfect environment for class and appreciation.  Erwin’s art and Macallan’s craft, as placed side by side, are the perfect compliment for a fall evening, as though the experience would be incomplete with either one missing.  It seems Erwin, himself, couldn’t agree more. 

“Photography is an art of observation – it’s about creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary. You choose a frame and then wait until the right time for something magical to come along and fill it.  I realized while working on this project that this is exactly the way Bob, the Whisky Maker, works when creating The Macallan.  He envisages how he wants a particular whisky to taste, selects the perfect cask to create it, and then he waits!  Timing is everything,” comments Elliott Erwin.

“Selecting 58 individual single cask malt whiskies to bring to life Elliott’s 58 favorite images of his Great Scottish Adventure was wonderfully challenging – tasting the image through the whisky and the whisky through the image on such an unprecedented scale was inspiring,” remarks Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan.  

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Elliot Erwin Edition shows that fine craftsmanship comes in many forms. But sometimes it is easier to appreciate the nuances of one when it is sweetened by the other.

Food Forward!

Volunteered with my little sis Kelly for Food Forward last Saturday. I've written about them before but in a nutshell volunteers go to homes and businesses of people who own fruit trees that are not using them and pick their tangelos and lemons (what we harvested on Saturday).

The fruit is then donated to a local food bank (in this case MEND Poverty and North Valley Caring Services) with the owners getting a tax write off for the market weight of their fruit. And the best part (other than being do-gooders) is that you get to climb up in trees (hooray!)

In total on Saturday we picked: - 26 boxes of fruit - Each box is approximately 45 lbs.

That means in two hours we picked over a thousand pounds of fruit!

If you're interested in climbing some trees (and doing some do-gooder work) check out Food Forward. They just put up their February pick schedule.