After seminal Los Angeles-based punk magazine Slash folded, publisher and graphic designer Steve Samiof had created his new magazine. By early , Bessy departed to England on the heels of his girlfriend. With trouble generating advertising revenue, it all went tits up. The demise of Slash, led by its mascot Jimbo, spawned the successful record label, operated by Bob Biggs.
Hitting newsstands in , the image-heavy, large-format publication was chock full of illustrators, artists, hip retail boutiques, creative typesetting, and avant-garde funky design. Samiof and his crew operated the magazine from an office on Larchmont Boulevard before moving to Wilshire in Los Angeles which also doubled as Steve's House of Fine Arts - a gallery showcase when Samiof became an art dealer. The space later became the artsy furniture store, Cozmopole.
Staffers included photographer Melanie Nissen. The interior pages of Stuff magazine were full of faces and places that deserve a tip of the hat;. Described as an embellished coffee shop, the Cadillac Cafe offered everything from herbed meatloaf to an array of homemade desserts. Situated inside a Best Western hotel, the 's-era Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop became home to celebrities and self-respecting swingers with chain wallets and a bowling shirt, pontificating over the latest Esquivel CD after a long night at the Three of Clubs.
In addition to the requisite artwork featured on the premises, the China Club was home to live music. Guests noshing on their new romantic menu could also enjoy the sounds of Tupelo Chain Sex. Lingering and lounging, as if tomorrow need never come. City Cafe's innovative menu and unique atmosphere quickly drew in the creative crowd, becoming a hub for artistic expression.
As the cognoscenti dined on a ragout of scallops, they were surrounded by original artwork, a testament to the cafe's influence on the local art scene. Notable artists like Tiffanie Morrow and Kate Favreau were among those featured. The much-loved eatery without a liquor license BYOB offered an eclectic menu at reasonable prices. Susan Feniger co-owner and Mary Sue Milliken ran the kitchen. And beer. Despite the nostalgic decor red leatherette booths and laminate tabletops , the L.
