Last Tuesday, April 23rd marked the 56th Annual Genii Awards presented by my near and dear non-profit organization, the Alliance for Women in Media, Southern California. Thanks to Cloris Leachman, Wendie Malick, Felicity Huffman, Nancy O'Dell, Alison Sweeney, Mark Steines and so many others, it really was a star-studded event celebrating women in the entertainment industry and our deserving scholarship recipients! (Check out photos here - http://awmsocal.org)

This year I was acting President for AWM SoCal and though I titled this article "Oh What a Night," I'd like to tell you that I almost titled it "Why it's important to do things that nearly kill you mentally and physically." Yes, yes, that's a little over the top but I truly think that anyone who has ever volunteered in serious doses or committed to an organization for a significant period of time, has wondered why they ever got involved and later realized because simply, they can and should. That is what I've taken from this experience...

If you have a natural ability to lead, a desire to help others, and enough organizational skills to keep yourself on track, you can and should volunteer for something you believe in. It's so gratifying and can teach you so much. In times of stress, you'll learn to cope because someone is relying on you. In times of joy, you'll learn to share because everyone deserves a little piece of the happiness pie. And in times of fear, you'll learn to be brave because you just don't have a choice since your term isn't up yet. So go get involved with a group, a community, an organization and learn just how great it can feel to be part of something.

My thanks to all of the AWM SoCal Board of Directors for making this year's Genii Awards a HUGE success! Oh what a Night!

There’s a twist on the taco downtown, and worth every bite. The taco, er, “baco” is a signature flatbread sandwich developed by Chef Josef Centeno, owner of Baco Mercat in downtown Los Angeles. The baco is gourmet comfort food - decadent, warming and delicious. Order the “original” and bite into mouthfuls of pork, beef carnitas, and salbitxada, nestled into a naan-like bread folded over; or go spicy and rich with “el pesco” filled with creamy sriracha coated crispy shrimp.

Baco Mercat’s menu is varied but not overwhelming, lots of simple dishes with complex flavor spanning Western- and Easter-Mediterranean influences. They may be small plates, but about 4 dishes will fill the heartiest appetite. The fried chicken ‘n biscuit, though seemingly odd on this menu, is a great option if you haven’t already had one too many bacos. Caramelized romanesco would convert any child to loving vegetables, and the roasted yams with marshmallow bring out the kid in each of us.

The setting is cozy and few tables, but the high ceilings give it some breathing room and a small patio offers a few more tables. Be prepared to wait or sit at the bar if you don’t have a reservation. The bartenders are tops (and seemingly know it) so order away from the specialty drinks and be prepared to have a culinary drinking experience. Try the “Dutchman” made with bols genever (whiskey-like spirit), ginger syrup, grapefruit, and boston bittahs (citrus and chamomile). It’s refreshing and potent so be glad it’s served in a smaller glass.