The Dirt:
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Unilever have entered an exclusive licensing agreement to develop a line of frozen Asian entrées for the U.S., under the P.F. Chang’s brand. The terms of the agreement were not revealed.

The move is not a new one for Unilever, who launched the Bertolli Frozen Italian Skillet Meals. In a joint release, John LeBoutillier, Unilever’s senior vice president, Foods U.S., said: “The opportunity is significant. From research, Asian cuisine ranks only behind Italian among ethnic cuisines for consumers and P.F. Chang’s is their favorite.”

The companies will work together to development and launch a new premium line of frozen Asian-style entrées, though a launch date has not been set yet.

The Dirt:
Any seasoned drinker knows all vodkas are not created equal. While we are usually accustomed to the standard Russian and Polish varieties, multiple-times distilled and without additional flavors, we decided to give Smirnoff Pomegranate a chance.

After years of sticking with plain varieties geared at the luxury crowd, we gave Smirnoff a real shot and we were not disappointed. Granted, the triple-distilled beverage has a significantly different taste, but it is a welcome change. The vodka process begins with the standard Smirnoff vodka, followed by the distillation process, and then, the infusion of flavors, including pomegranate, apple, citrus and honey. At the final stage, a floral hint is added for a strong yet sweet flavor that has a slightly tart tone.

During trying times, we challenge you to go beyond your comfort zone. What better way to challenge yourself then to imbibe, with a different variety of beverages than the usual brands?! While it may be a bit sweet for the seasoned drinkers accustomed to straight vodka is a manly, frill-free glass, we think this is a great happy medium between plain vodka and the sugar-laden pinkified cocktails marketed to women. A strong, sweet vodka on the rocks or a pink calorie-heavy blend that will ruin your healthy meal? We know what we’ll choose.

Bonus: After many tastes, we realized Smirnoff Pomegranate would be a great addition to a white sangria.

Where: Smirnoff Pomegranate vodka is 70 proof and costs just $14.99 for a 750mL bottle. To learn more about Smirnoff and the many vodka varieties, visit the Smirnoff website.

The Dirt:
A hipster, an activist and a Dalton alumnus enter a Hell’s Kitchen bar, each the king of his own world, but when Passion Pit starts blaring, all of a sudden they are just New Yorkers. This is the kind of subtle but significant impact a new inspiring band like Passion Pit can make. The minute we heard the Manners album, (thanks Newbury Comics!), we knew it was a winner. We now expect the same kind of hitmaking from Passion Pit we came to expect from many of-the-now bands, including The Killers, VHS or Beta, Sia and La Roux.

The new alt pop genre, to which Passion Pit belongs, is an irresistible seemingly-familiar blend of the 1980s post-punk pop, the 1990s post-metal alternative rock, and the new millennium’s post-electronica synthetic sound. A curated collection of sounds, the blend results in a rock-style dance beat that melts away self-consciousness and offers an uninhibited vibe.

The 2009 release from FrenchKiss and Columbia Records is known for the singles, Little Secrets and Let Your Love Grow Tall, but this is not a two-hit wonder album. We also love the romantic vibe of Eyes As Candles, and the bubbly, dance-inspiring track dubbed Sleepyhead.We think this album is a great addition to the road trip CD book or the outdoor party mix. Shake it up and give this group a shot at entry to the coveted favorites playlist.

Where:
To learn more about Passion Pit, visit the Passion Pit website or visit the Passion Pit MySpace page.

The Dirt:
Castro, refugees, Communism and sugar are the common modern characteristics of modern Cuba, but others may argue the lack of modernization has kept much of the art community intact. While the freedom of the people has been stifled for too long, the mixture of Spanish and African cultures in this isolated Caribbean island nation has proven a strong basis for dozens of musical genres. Roots of the drumming found in many styles goes back to the outlet slaves tapped —making music. The mixture of drums, guitar, percussion instruments and various melodies made Cuba a breeding ground for soulful Afro-Latin musical acts. The music was cultivated both in Cuba and the U.S., where it blended well with elements of jazz and rhythm and blues, further deepening the soul behind the music of a complex nation.

Rough Guides’ upcoming release, The Rough Guide to the Music of Cuba, features the sounds of many genres, including salsa, rumba, and jazz-infused tunes that we can hear fueling an all-night barbeque, complete with grilled seafood, jicama salad, mojitos and white sangria. While you hold out for the release, check out the existing inventory available from Rough Guides. No matter your musical interests, this travel guidebook company offers something for every personality.

Where:
The Rough Guide to the Music of Cuba will be out on July 27 in the U.S. For more information or to check out other albums, visit the Rough Guide website.

The Dirt:
Once a divided city, Berlin is now home to a great film festival, a huge art scene and a great selection of hip hotels. Enter Michelberger Hotel, an 119-room hostel-cum-hotel located near Oberbaum Bridge, set to open in September 2009. Named after its proprietor, Tom Michelberger, the hotel caters to artsy globetrotting travelers. This new option combines contemporary European designs with a careful use of space, as exhibited in some of the loft rooms.

The brains behind the hotel have thought of everything, with amenities including free WiFi, a courtyard garden, a laundry room, a luggage room, parking, dining options and a bar with a live stage. But, this is no glorified hostel. This spot even has a private cinema and a conference room that holds 50, for small screenings or indie business functions. Plus, the 24-hour reception and bistro mean anytime you stumble in, after too many beer tastings, there will be someone around and something to eat.

Where:
Rooms start at €59 and breakfast is €8. For more information or to book a room, visit the Michelberger website. To read in English, look for the EN button on the bottom right!

The Dirt:
Lucky Brand, the makers of the go-to designer jean, has launched a new event series, Lucky Brand Neighborhood Social, a series of grassroots events at Lucky Brand stores. The inaugural event will give Los Angeles residents access to an amazing event with a talented new European alternative pop musician. Enter Bat for Lashes, the first musician to perform at the event series, alongside work by LA based, Giant Artists. Bat for Lashes will perform acoustic versions of her favorite songs while guests take advantage of the custom hand-painted designs by William Lemon III on their choice pair of Lucky jeans. If you aren’t ready for painted jeans, opt for a custom reusable tote, painted by local artist Blake E. Marquis.

Where:
Don’t miss this event at the Santa Monica, California Third Street Promenade Lucky Brand store on Sunday, June 14 from 3p.m.-7p.m.

The Dirt:

Jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino has tapped a KidRobot Dunny art toy made by Queens, New York-native Toofly as a pendent for her necklace. While the exposure is great, apparently Toofly, an established graffiti artist, was not contacted to get permission. Still, we love the mix of both artists’ work used to create Lucite necklaces. If you were ever a fan Hello Kitty, colorful high-tops, Manic Panic or graphic novels, this might be for. But, don’t forget to check out Toofly’s own work and that of the members of The Younity, an art cooperative she started with fellow native New Yorker and artist, Alice Mizrahi

Where:
For more information on Toofly’s art and licensed products , visit Toofly’s website. For more information on Tarina Tarantino’s jewelry , visit the Tarina Tarantino website. For more information on The Younity, a women’s art cooperative, , visit The Younity website. To view all of KidRobot’s Dunny collections, , visit the KidRobot website. To read Andrea Toochin’s article about another artist commissioned by Kidrobot, Dalek, , click here.

The Dirt:
Starwood Hotels is forging ahead with growth, recession or not, with big plans for one of Europe’s most cultural cities on the Mediterranean. Anyone that doubts Barcelona likely hasn’t been. Barcelona has an amazing soccer team, FC Barcelona, art from legends Gaudi, Picasso and Joan Miro, great dining, fabulous clubs, a beach on the Mediterranean, and a great subway system. If that’s not enough, it is within hours of France and many quaint coastal Spanish destinations, including Sitges, Benidorm, and Valencia. But why stay at the W Barcelona when it opens in October 2009, with so many other options?

A picture of the exterior of the W Barcelona, designed by native architect Ricardo Bofill, could be mistaken for a modern high-rise somewhere in the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the sleek sail-shaped design. Starwood claims the hotel located in Catalunya’s capital will be the only one with direct access to the beach, one where some local businessmen spend their siesta relaxing or sleeping, often in boxers and a tee.

Upon opening on October 1, the 26-story building will have availability in its 473 rooms, which includes 67 suites. The full-service hotel boasts a Bliss Spa, an infinity pool with cabanas, a fitness center, a rooftop bar, a restaurant and of course, the signature Whatever/Whenever service.

If you have any doubt that a trip to Barca might not be worth the time and money, consider these alluring offerings. An international scene courtesy of the university, Gaudi’s Parc Guell, a chance to see FC Barcelona live, and proximity to Sitges, a small city 30 minutes south by train, where fag hags sun topless on the beach, mamas shop at local boutiques, and nannies take in the Mediterranean, away from the noise of the big city.

Where:
To learn more about the W Barcelona , click here.

The Dirt:
Women clad in skinny jeans, artsy tops and gladiator sandals, puffing on fags, and delighting in their spot in the hipster circle—this could be many neighborhoods. This week, we spotted them in The Mission neighborhood of San Francisco. When exiting the MUNI bus on Mission Street, one gets a feel for the area’s original residents—Latin American immigrants and lifetime tokers. Always a bit sketchy, the sunshine enables a more laid back life. Still, for great cheap Mexican food, there are tons of places on Mission. But head over to Valencia Street and it’s a whole new world, complete with boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. Here’s a guide to our favorite destinations, though we missed the Thai restaurants and the Mexican Salvadorian spot that serves both burritos, tamales and pupusas.

WHERE TO CAMP OUT WITH YOUR MACBOOK
Try one of three major coffee shops on Valencia jam backed with twentysomethings writing and telecommuting from their Macbooks. Javalencia Café is a smaller, grungier option, but complete with many drinks, yogurt and pastry options (920 Valencia). Mission Creek Café is one step up, a bit bigger than Javalencia, a bit newer, and a bit brighter (968 Valencia). The last option is an indie version of Starbucks: Ritual Coffee Roasters. Appearing all shiny and new, with perfectly placed canvases on each wall, it is bright, with light tables and a perfectly printed board, likely even a clean wash closet.

WHERE TO SPEND WISELY
Like Williamsburg, there are tons of boutiques, thrift shops, bookstores and even an art cooperative. Buffalo Exchange is the go-to for variety when shopping for used clothing, but be willing to sift through the blah to find the stylish finds. It’s no surprise that Buffalo Exchange, which has stores nationwide, has its New York locations in the East Village and in Williamsburg. Here in Cali, they have another one in Berkeley and one in the Haight. For affordable art, check out the City Art Cooperative Gallery (828 Valencia) to find every medium from jewelry and sculpture to printmaking, painting and photography. We plan to follow these artists: Chiyo Miyashita, Katie Gilmartin, Hilary Williams, and Russell Ryan. Finally, for all the things you don’t need but want, such as small prints, journals, calendars, handmade cloth wallets, and thank you cards made on recycled paper printed with soy ink, head to the irresistible Little Otsu (849 Valencia).

WHERE TO BUY BOOKS
There are a handful of bookstores in The Mission, but we could’ve spent hours perusing the shelves of Modern Times Bookstore, with its art postcards, event listings, flyers, free magazines and selection of books ranging from art, to politics, healthy living and new fiction. Whether you need to distribute flyers, find a book on Frida Kahlo, learn about organic farming, or just escape the noise, this is the spot.

Where:
For hours and locations, visit the Ritual Roasters website. For hours and location , visit the Javalencia website. For hours and location , visit the Buffalo Exchange website. For hours and location , visit the City Art Gallery website. For hours and location , visit the Little Otsu website. For hours and location , visit the Modern Times website.

The Dirt:
Would you drool over Bohemian-inspired clothes at the price of Forever21 or H&M prices? A trip to the Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles led us to Heritage 1981, a unit of Forever 21 Inc. Upon entering the store, we found clothes that resemble Free People at the H&M prices. Imagine sun dresses, thin-cotton tees and layering items, nearly all for about $20 each. The sales staff informed us that the Heritage 1981 brand is part of Forever 21 Inc., which also launched a plus-size brand called Faith21.

While many mass-produced items are made in China, many of the soft cotton and cotton blends items were produced in India, with beautiful color blends. We applaud the Heritage 1981 collection, but more so, we love the creation of a brand for big women because everyone deserves affordable trendy style options. Still, the Heritage 1981 dresses are still designed primarily for young, narrow bodies. But, if you’re in need for more recession-friendly fashion options, give the Forever 21 group a chance.

Where: For more information , visit the Forever 21 website.