Brent Coover's Agenda

Pictured, clockwise from top left: L.A Confidential, Cafe Sabarsky at the Neue Gallery, 'Love In The Future' by John Legend, Bead Source, ID bracelet by Tiffany & Co., Skal restaurant.

Cocktail of the week: "Same Same But Different" at Skal
Last week, I went to Skal, a new-ish restaurant at the border of the Lower East Side and Chinatown. The bartender/co-owner is a lovely Frenchman, though the restaurant skews Icelandic. This cocktail of Makers Mark, fresh lemon, and blackberry juice is divine!

Movie rental of the week: L.A. Confidential
It's an oldie but a goodie. Kevin Spacey is sexy always, no matter. Guy Pearce is the hottest ever. And Kim Basinger is to die for. The production design and costumes are everything as well. Particularly Basinger's black hooded satin robe with white trim in her opening scene at the liquor store.

Covetable of the week: ID bracelets
There's something so masculine and American about them, and yet they feel slightly rebellious and a bit "bad boy." I need this men's ID bracelet in sterling silver from Tiffany & Co. ($650). It's chic, minimal, and timeless.

Flower of the week: Carnations
I think carnations have a bad reputation. Not all carnations are dip-dyed bright blue and fluorescent green. I think there is something quite earthy and fresh about a carnation. John Legend used carnations on the cover of his latest album Love In The Future. I've been seeing them more and more at chic restaurants, and I just think they need to come back as cool.

Brunch of the week: Cafe Sabarsky at Neue Galerie
I love Cafe Sabarsky in the winter. The entire room is wood paneled. The food is heavy and filling. The desserts are divine. It truly is one of the loveliest spots to just sit and waste the entire day... And of course take a quick walk through the galleries at Neue.

Store of the week: Bead Source in Silverlake, CA.
I'm feeling quite hippie and arts-and-crafty these days with my move to Los Angeles, and I love that this bead shop on Sunset Blvd is walking distance from my new apartment. Now I'm making all kinds of nice bracelets for people, places, and special occasions.

Song of the week: "California" by Joni Mitchell
What can I say, I'm in a California state of mind right now, and Joni Mitchell is the embodiment of California dreaming and scheming. I've always been a fan of folk music, and love Joni's way of singing, her inflection and intonation. It's so distinct, recognizably her, and as a result, it's so California.