Seth Front
Creator of the Jewish Zodiac, Seth Front, a native Angelino, got his BA at UCBerkley in English Literature and a Masters in Fine Arts in Film at USC.
On spending his junior year in Italy “to escape my Jewish roots,” Seth says he found “a culture steeped in religion, focused on food, with households run by domineering mothers…Does that sound familiar?” Starting his career as a script reader, he discovered hit movies like “Ruthless People” (starring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler), which soon led to his own success as a screenwriter.
Then one day, while Seth was working on a script rewrite at a Chinese restaurant, he looked down at the Chinese zodiac placemat and thought, "Why isn't there a Jewish zodiac? But what would it be? It wouldn't be Year of the Dragon or Ox; it would be Year of the Bagel and Year of the Lox." He then launched into writing the personality traits of the various deli foods and showed it to friends. His friends, of course, thought it was hysterical – who wouldn’t?!!
Seth really thought his idea was more of joke and didn’t imagine turning it into a business until he met some people in retail who flipped over it. He started taking it seriously when he realized how he could expand this super fun concept! So now, Seth is focused on the Jewish Zodiac—selling laminated placemats, ‘50s retro t-shirts, onesies, magnets, and other gift items! Next, he’s looking to also do a yummy Italian Zodiac (pasta, pizza, cannoli, anyone?) and Southern Zodiac (BBQ).
Seth, I can’t wait to see what’s next!! Meanwhile, I’m headed to your site to buy some Jewish Zodiac placemats for perfect last minute Hanukkah gifts!!
Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
Taylor's Steak House in Koreatown. This place is right out of “Swingers,” with red leather booths and velvet wallpaper. Old School all the way. Make mine a gin and tonic, and only use Bombay Sapphire, if you please. Oh yeah, the steaks are 100% prime and just as good as any steak you'll get at those fancy places—for about half the price.
Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
Target! Isn't that where all Jews goes to shop? C'mon, admit it!
You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
I live in Woodland Hills, so if I could change one thing about LA, I'd add about four lanes in each direction to the Ventura Freeway.
You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I still haven't been to the Walt Disney Hall for a classical music concert. But if they'd just add four lanes to the Ventura Freeway, the downtown commute wouldn't be so onerous.
Your favorite LA extravagance?
Box seats at the Hollywood Bowl. I go to the World Music concerts on Sunday evenings. I never know who I'm listening to before I get there but it doesn't matter: it's all about hanging out with friends.
Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
White Harte Pub in Woodland Hills. Sometimes I'll go there to have a Guinness and some fish 'n chips, and watch my Lakers play. Thank God, they have two TVs because one is always showing some foreign soccer game. Where does this place think it is, England? Oh, that's right, it's a pub. My bad.
Your favorite local getaway?
I love wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. I've been going and collecting (pre-“Sideways”) and have gotten to know many of the winemakers. I especially like Sea Smoke, Melville and Clos Pepe. When “Sideways” came out, I went to see it with a fellow screenwriter and wine buddy and not only did we know every location in the movie, we drank two wines featured in the movie for dinner that night.
Your favorite place for cheap eats?
Langer's for the best pastrami sandwich outside of New York. Not that it's cheap but it's a "cheap eats" kinda place.
You always take out of town guests to this spot?
Back to the airport when their trip is over.
You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
My family started a campership fund many years ago to URJ Camp Newman in Northern California, and every year we give camperships to anywhere between 4-7 kids from the temple where my father was the rabbi. I'm on the board that oversees this fund and the other funds at the temple, but to me this is the most important thing we do—there is nothing like a Jewish camp experience.
