Black Gold Disco

Another Learning Secrets show took place on Saturday at Beauty Bar, this time as a fundraiser for the Endangered Species Coalition in light of the recent BP oil spill. Although my buddies and I didn't arrive in time for Candi & The Strangers, we did catch a bit of Bodytronix' number.

After hearing the track from LS' set that night, I'm feeling obliged to post several links of some favorite remixes of "Happy House" by The Juan MacLean.

The Juan MacLean- Happy House
The Juan MacLean- Happy House (VHS or Beta Remix)
The Juan MacLean- Happy House (FnDannyBoy Remix)
The Juan MacLean- Happy House (Will Saul n Mike Monday Remix)
The Juan MacLean- Happy House (Lazaro Casanova Remix)
The Juan MacLean- Happy House (Chateau Flight Remix)

Recap photos that will make you dizzy.

Night of the P's: Pixel Pop + Peligrosa

Everyone could use a little playtime. And what better way to spend a Friday night other than going to a fashion and music benefit show and a fiery DJ set, both held next door to each other?

Last night a comic book-themed fashion and music-centric event called Pixel Pop was held at the Mohawk. The organizers’ mission? To increase social awareness by raising proceeds to benefit HAAM, a local organization that ensures all Austin musicians have access to healthcare.

Entering the venue with 5 bucks in hand, feeling clammy from the evening’s humidity, my friend Genet and I first noticed a fashion show on the main outdoor stage showcasing models emulating outfits of comic characters from images projected on a screen display from behind. Indoors, we found a set-up photo booth managed by photographer Annie Ray snapping comic hero-themed photos posed by inebriated show attendants. We exited the indoor section, climbed upstairs, and explored what appeared to be a mini-bazaar of advertised local boutiques, designers, artists, and more photographers. All sponsors, musicians, artists, and other leading local participants can be found in this advertisement.

A couple of drinks and several laughs later, we received word about Peligrosa taking over the stage at Club Deville. Using the venue's close proximity to our advantage, we switched over to Deville with 3 bucks in hand. And 'lo, we could hear a euphoric Cumbia-hip hop inspired dance set and found a sweaty brawl before the stage. Of course, without hesitance, we joined the mob, later drenched from peppy dancing. I cannot fail to mention the entertaining realtime projection behind the set. What a nice, fortuitous way to end the evening.

Now after some recuperating, I’m back to reading about Romanticist literature...

But first some recap photos.

Exquisite industrial metal jewelry from dEconstructed dEsign.

Some colorful accessories and other craft trinkets. I believe they are provided by The Wonder Craft.

More visual art.

DJ Orion (Raw Word Records) of Peligrosa.

Spring Roll with Peanutty Tofu and Stir-Fried Cabbage Filling

Ingredients

1 cup store-bought of Thai peanut sauce

1 tablespoon of oyster sauce

3 tablespoons of soy sauce

1/4 cup of sesame seeds

Half a package of firm tofu, chopped into about 2-3 in. long, 1/2 in wide pieces

2 sheets of rice paper

1/2 cup of shredded carrot

1 cup of thinly chopped red cabbage

2 shallot bulbs,

1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

3/4 cup of shredded cucumber

Salt

Pepper

1/2 cup oil of choice (can be sesame, canola, or even extra virgin olive oil)

Peanutty Tofu

Marinate the tofu by putting the tofu pieces and Thai peanut sauce in a large ziplock bag. Pop the bag in the fridge for about an hour or overnight. Then, turn the stove on to medium heat. Place the pan on the stove, then add the tofu. Since the tofu already has a pretty firm texture, thorough cooking is not necessary unless desired. Cook the tofu until the sides a slightly seared. Salt and pepper if desired. Then place it in a bowl. Yield before preparing rolls.

Stir-fried Cabbage Filling

Turn the stove on to medium-high heat. Place the pan on the stove, heat the oil in the pan, then add the shallots and carrot. Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the cabbage. While stirring the ingredients, add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add some pepper, then sprinkle the sesame seeds. Let it simmer for about 3 more minutes. Then pour the cabbage filling in a bowl. Yield before preparing rolls.

Now for the rest.....

Heat water in a large pan. Once the water is sufficiently heated, let it cool. Place the rice paper sheets individually. It only takes about a minute or two of soaking before the sheets soften. Remove the sheets and place it on a plate. Place one or two pieces or tofu in a sheet. Next, add about a tablespoon each of cilantro and shredded cucumber. Then add a tablespoon and a half of the stir fry filling. Drizzle the leftover peanut sauce in the rolls or use it as a dipping sauce. Fold each side of the sheet, then roll the sheet while wrapping over the fillings. Repeat for the second sheet.

Add a piece of fruit or salad on the side if desired. Cantaloupe would be a refreshing compliment to this summer treat. Or sip a nice cup of regular black tea infused with mint.

Enjoy.