BlackBerry Aiming for the Top of the Tablet Game with the PlayBook

It hasn’t even been released to the public yet, but already the word on the street for the new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is outstanding. And since I am a guy who appreciates a great gadget, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of them last week during the SXSW conference. All I can say is, get your touch-screen fingers ready for this tablet, guys!

Some of the PlayBook’s key features include: a 7” touch screen, up to 64 GB of memory (with 16 and 32 GB model options), dual front and rear facing cameras, HD video and audio playback, and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, making multi-tasking a breeze. The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet also weighs less than a pound and is ultra thin, which means you can take it just about anywhere; it could easily fit in the front inside pocket of a man’s coat, or a woman's clutch purse!

The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is hitting the streets April 19th, at prices as low as $499. To get a sneak peek of just how amazing this thing is, be sure to check out our exclusive SXSW coverage on the site!

Fig & Olive Brings Their Unique Tastes to L.A.

Who would have thought that you could design a concept for a restaurant specifically around extra virgin olive oil? Not me, but fortunately for the rest of us, Laurent Halasz, the founder of Fig & Olive, did just that, and with fantastic results.

Fig & Olive, which just opened in Melrose Place on Wednesday (March 2), boasts an impressive collection of over 30 different types of olive oil from varying regions (such as the south of France, Italy, and Spain) that encompass fruity, buttery, and peppery varietals as well as infused olive oils with truffles, lemon, and basil. Is your mouth watering yet?

Fig & Olive is such a unique concept it had to be successful. All of the details that go into choosing these specific EVOOs are used to create extraordinary and unforgettable dishes. After taking New York City by storm, Fig & Olive has finally branched out to the West Coast and spreading joy with every bite! I attended the opening on Wednesday, and the experience was way better than I could have expected. The event was put on by two of YH’s favorite people, EMC|Bowery's Ben Rousso and The Supper Club's Tamsin Lonsdale. Bending under lots of pressure, openings can sometimes go horribly wrong with unpreparedness and so-so food, but Fig & Olive nailed it, I can only imagine how even better it will be over time.

Let me take a moment to mention the decor -- it was amazing. As soon as you walk in, you feel as if you are stepping into a warm and intimate setting in the Mediterranean (exactly what they were going for). After walking into the smell of rosemary and olive trees, there is a display of their olive oils and a long white marble communal table with a tasting bar, a great place for getting to know other people during a fine dining experience. Even the smoking patio was the coolest I have ever seen. The main dining room is separate and has a view of the open kitchen, so you can get a first-hand view of the talents of Chef Pascal Lorange people. I had the most pleasant experience, and hats go off to General Manager Hardeep Birdi for making sure everything ran so smoothly.

All in all, Fig & Olive is sure to be the next best thing to hit L.A.’s culinary scene. I look forward to the next time and encourage anyone looking for a unique dining experience to give it a try. You wont be sorry!

Trevor Bayne Races to the Top

When your Twitter followers go from 6,000 to 31,000 in two days, you probably just did something pretty awesome. For 20-year-old Trevor Bayne, that something would be becoming the most recent (and youngest) winner of the “Great American Race,” AKA the Daytona 500.

He has been on the go ever since, but the champion driver managed to stay stationary long enough for a recent pit stop at the YH Studio. Following the lead of his childhood idol, Jeff Gordon, Trevor has become the youngest driver to win the title. He once carried a Jeff Gordon lunchbox around as a kid, but we will not be surprised if this Knoxville, Tennessee native's face soon ends up on a lunchbox of his own.

Trevor filled the Studio with his winner’s glow and the huge championship ring he is proudly rocking. And after those 500 miles (which adds up to 200 laps), it’s no wonder Trevor still feels like he is going in circles. He has practically become a celebrity overnight, to the point where none other than Pamela Anderson interrupted his phone conversation with friend and NFL Quarterback Tim Tebow for an introduction. Although he has accomplished quite the feat by being the second person to win Dayton on the first try, Trevor exudes humbleness good old Southern charm, appreciating host Jessica Smith's referring to her grandparents as “mamaw and papaw,” as well as finding it complimentary that her mother and grandmother are newly found “Cougars” and have the "Tennessee Hots" for him.

Trevor describes his accomplishments as “the craziest moment of my life,” and we can't help but suspect that he is destined for more winner’s glory.

Check out our interview with Trevor below, and look out for number 21!