Weekend Events: January 24 – January 26

Grammy parties? Check. Fitness and beauty expos? Got them. Beer on the beach? And maybe a little Stephen King? Check, check and check. In other words, there is no shortage of culture, cuisines and the unexpected to check out this weekend in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys.

Los Angeles

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

The SOIREE

LOCATION: The Hollywood Roosevelt Ballroom

It’s Grammy weekend in LA, meaning parties as much as music. This sixth annual gala, hosted simultaneously alongside the Grammy bashes happening ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, bills itself as a go-to event for music industry leaders, influencers and Recording Academy members. Along with celebrities and a red carpet, expect a menu that includes pan-seared crab cake and mini-burgers. Learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25,^, 2020

The LA Animation Film Festival

LOCATION: Let Live Theater

Celebrate the genre of animation during this event that brings together both fans and filmmakers. Categories include Feature, Short, TV Pilot, Web Series, and Sketch Comedy. The 80-seat venue boasts a Christie DLP projector and seven JBL speakers throughout. The festival kicks off Friday at 12 a.m. and runs until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Get tickets HERE.

The FitExpo

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center

Whether you’re a schlubby weekend warrior or a shredded power-lifter, there promises to be something for all body types at this family-friendly event. Look for free fitness classes, cooking demos, live fitness competitions, and a few fitness industry celebrities. FitExpo kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until Sunday at 5 p.m. Learn more HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Donut Festival

LOCATION: Indie Brewing Company

Mmm… donut festival. After FitExpo, what better way to reward yourself than dropping by this sugary palooza? LA’s self-described sweetest bash lets you try out the aforementioned donuts, as well as coffee and even beer. Every ticket includes 10 samples and every guest over the age of 21 gets a free beer drink ticket. Get tickets and information HERE.

Uncorked: LA Wine Fest

LOCATION: Union Station

Cheers to this new event from Uncorked Wine Festivals, featuring more than 100 wines rated 90 points and higher from around the world. Attendees can expect live music, gourmet food trucks and, of course, no shortage of fine vintages to sample. The early access ticket gets you an additional hour of tasting. Learn more HERE.

Westside

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

Christine

LOCATION: Nuart Theatre

From It to Doctor Sleep to HBO’s The Outsider, Stephen King has never been more in-demand. So it’s a curiosity to consider 1983’s Christine, directed by John Carpenter (Halloween) about a bullied teenager and his lethally-protective car. The film disappointed when it was released, but it bears all the themes of classic King. It runs as part of the Nuart’s CineInsomnia series. Get tickets HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

Juicy Brews Beach Party Craft Beer Festival

LOCATION: Brouwerij West 110 E 22nd St Floor 1 San Pedro, CA 90731

In the mood for some tasty waves? Hop Culture Magazine’s beer festival will offer attendees music, lobster rolls and, yes, brews aplenty. All attendees must be 21. General admission gets you access to the festival at 1 p.m. Upon entering, you enter the land of unlimited samplings. Proceeds go to the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy. Get tickets HERE.

The International Salon and Spa Expo

LOCATION: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

All dolled up and nowhere to go? Or just looking for the hottest trends in personal care and make-up? Then check out the biggest beauty expo on the West Coast. ISSE boasts more than 200 classes by some of the industry’s top names. Learn from the best while enjoying the spa, pools and other outdoor activities. Get tickets HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Goat Yoga

LOCATION: Laughing Frog Yoga

If you don’t know what goat yoga is, welcome to Los Angeles because you’re obviously not from around here. And, lucky for you, Laughing Frog Yoga has two baby goats, Gigi and Felix, ready to show you the ups and downs of this latest trend. Need a better incentive? Gigi and Felix are expected to retire soon, so this may your last chance to get a selfie with a pair (the last 30 minutes of this particular session have been set aside just for photos). Learn more HERE.

After-Grammys party

LOCATION: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The show is over, so let the party begin. Following the red carpet, mix and mingle with Hollywood insiders while enjoying specialty cocktails, outdoor patio and indoor entertainment and a live DJ. General admission is free online, but you must be 21 to attend. Learn more HERE.

Conejo, San Fernando, Santa Clarita Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

The Little Mermaid, Jr.

LOCATION: The Performing Arts Education Center, 22855 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas

Before you see the live-action Disney remake, journey “under the sea” with this musical production about Ariel, a young mermaid in an impossible romance with a handsome prince. Notably, this version features flying effects by ZFX. Learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

Historic Walking Tour of North Hollywood

LOCATION: North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library

Once upon a time in Hollywood… this really happened. Cowboys, pioneers, movie stars and the conquests that made California what it is today. Highlights of the tour include the Academy of Arts and Entertainment and Lankershim Elementary School, which Marilyn Monroe attended. Learn more HERE.

The Dark Side of the San Fernando Valley

LOCATION: Valley Relics Museum

Today more than 45 museums throughout Southern California will waive the cost of admission for the entire day for free museum day. This three-hour bus tour departs the Valley Relics Museum, taking occupants on a journey including hauntings, crime scenes and hidden secrets that promises to make them never look at the valley the same way again. Learn more HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra Presents “Tales From Russia”

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre – B of A Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks

Music to warm the coldest Siberian heart. The Mighty Five, also known as the Mighty Handful, were a group of Russian composers united to try to start a national school of Russian music in the 1800s. Their pieces, as well as ones by Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, will be presented by the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. Learn more HERE.

Sombrero Half Marathon, 5K and 10K

LOCATION: Rancho Simi Park at 1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley CA

Watch racers dart along the tree-lined, scenic Arroyo bike path toward the ultimate finisher’s medal: post-race tacos for all. While the race should suit runners of all speeds, all are invited to join along in spirit, if not in actual stride. Learn more HERE.

January 23, 2020January 24, 2020

LA Eats: Brunch

On a gloomy winter weekend when there’s nothing more welcome than some drizzled-upon eggs benny and a refreshing mimosa (or two). Here are some top choices for brunch in Los Angeles and the Valley.

Los Angeles

Auburn

6703 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Considering chef Eric Bost’s fine-dining pedigree and the culinary raves that greeted its arrival, Auburn might seem an unlikely option for a decidedly laid back affair. One glance at the brunch menu suggests otherwise – whether it’s the Dutch Pancake with huckleberries and toasted hay cream, the Beef Ribs with black garlic glaze and torn herbs or the orange marmalade and granite Flan.

All Day Baby

3200 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

For Eastsiders, this neighborhood eatery offers breakfast all day. Try the Big Chicken Biscuit (fried chicken breast, B&B pickles), Mama May’s Banana Bread (ricotta, whipped honey, buckwheat, sea salt) or the White Corn Grits (shrimp “bolognese,” fried egg, crispy leeks).

Caffe Latte

6254 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Serving the Mid-Wilshire area for more than 30 years, Caffe Latte offers an ideal brunch stop if you’re near The Grove. While the menu includes waffles, pancakes, pastries (not to mention such brunch staples as Eggs Benedict with fresh cut fruit), it specializes in custom blend coffees, loose leaf tea, fruit smoothies, protein smoothies and juices.

Westside

Fia Restaurant

2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Led by chef Brendan Collin’s globally-minded seasonal menu, this indoor/outdoor venue offers a weekend brunch highlighted by avocado toast with a Spanish fried egg, black truffle “cheesy scramble,” southern fried chicken and biscuits and the corned beef hash “loco moco.”

Gracias Madre

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

With its plant-based Mexican cuisine, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood offers a vegan option for brunch. Start off with a sampling of Tostada al Ajillo (chipotle hummus, new Mexico chili, roasted cherry tomato, sorrel, black radish), then choose among such items as the Chimichangas or Potato Flautas. Finally, wash it down with a Mexican mimosa.

Lanea

217 Broadway Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Open since last summer, Lanea aims to bring the soul of Mexico to Santa Monica. They’re big on football, but first the food. Brunch starts at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with their full menu plus Bloody Marias and a choice of breakfast tacos: Huevos con Chorizo (scrambled eggs, queso and spicy pork sausage), Huevos con Bacon (scrambled eggs, queso, and bacon bits) and Huevos con Sausage (scrambled eggs, queso and breakfast sausage links). Oh, and did we mention there’s live college football on Sundays, too?

The Valley

Hamptons 818

14917 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Established in 2016, Hamptons 818 boasts it has the best hash browns on Ventura Boulevard. Try them out or sample the Feta Fries or Vibe Nachos, both with their signature feta cheese sauce. Better still? The bottomless mimosas.

On the Thirty

14622 Ventura Blvd Ste. 112, Sherman Oaks, CA

On the Thirty offers food for every mood your taste buds might be in: from the Savory (Breakfast Sandwich on Italian loaf with farm fresh eggs and apple-smoked bacon) to The Sweet (red velvet Oreo waffles) to The Benny’s (Pork Belly on a toasted English muffin, with two poached eggs, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, house Hollandaise).

Mediterraneo at the Westlake Village Inn

32037 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361

Sitting on the grounds of a rustic Tuscan-style resort, this restaurant (complete with dog-friendly front patio) offers a weekend brunch menu by executive chef Lisa Biondi that includes multiple variations on Eggs Benedict. Other fare ranges from spicy (Huevos Rancheros) to sweet (Lemon-Mascarpone Berry Crepes) to light (the Naked Breakfast Wrap).

Nellie’s Skillet

25858 Tournament Rd, Santa Clarita CA

On the way to Santa Clarita or a trip to Six Flags, you might want to check out this eatery and any of its signature skillets. Among the selections: Chilaquiles with its house enchilada sauce and scrambled eggs; the Country Skillet with turkey sausage, country gravy and spinach tomato; or the Chorizo Con Pasas with chorizo, home fries, green peppers, onions and two fried eggs.

VIP’s Cafe

18345 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356

This low-key breakfast spot features a retro chic atmosphere, American style breakfasts (they make a particularly scrumptious pancake) and fresh-squeezed juice. For dog owners, the patio is friendly to four-legged customers.

January 23, 2020January 23, 2020

Out and About: Solvang Edition

Longing for a stroll through the old world, but can’t get away to Europe? Then this may be the coastal day trip for you. About 30 miles southeast of Santa Barbara is the historic Danish village of Solvang, located in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and renowned for its classical architecture, wineries, charming boutiques and, naturally, authentic pastries. So. Many. Pastries.

Morning

AEBLESKIVER CAFE

Once you’ve arrived, be sure to start exploring Solvang by indulging in a Danish Aebleskiver. What’s an Aebleskiver? Imagine a European pancake but with a fluffy interior. Oh, and while the translation might indicate apples are involved, usually they are not. Of course, the Aebleskiver Café also offers sausage and other international foods, but you really came for the Aebleskiver.

SOLVANG TROLLY & CARRIAGE COMPANY

Why walk when you can be carried along by a horse-drawn carriage? In 1973, H.H.H. Rasmussen made the Honen (The Hen in Danish), available to Solvang visitors. And ever since the Solvang Trolley, powered by two draft horses, has been offering narrated tours of the area.

OLD MISSION SANTA INES

Solvang isn’t merely rich with history out on the streets. Whether it’s the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art or the Amber Museum and Hall of the Danes, there is plenty to appreciate indoors. Likewise, the area’s vintage churches include the Old Mission Santa Ines and Bethania Lutheran. Old Mission Santa Ines was the 19th of the 21 missions built in California from 1769 to 1836 by Spanish Franciscan priests. Founded on Sept. 17, 1804, it marked the first European settlement in the Santa Ynez Valley.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON MUSEUM

A stroll of the picturesque village will take you past windmills and a clock tower, but also a statue of the Little Mermaid. Her creator’s influence extends to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, run by the non-profit Ugly Duckling Foundation with the aim of spotlighting his work.

Afternoon

BIKE TOURS

If you’re feeling ambitious, there is the 32-mile Sideways Movie Bike Tour, which takes you to locations used in the film. But for the less dauntless, there is the easy five-to-10 minute Scenic Family Bicycle Ride, which includes plenty of sightseeing.

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

For lovers of boutique shopping, Solvang offers the chance to browse more than 150 unique shops for high-end imports, trends and out-of-the-way discoveries. A Piece of the Past boasts 28 different dealers, offering vintage collectibles and antiques.

WINE SAMPLING

What would a day tour be without wine sampling? Given the proximity to the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills, it’s to be expected that you can find more than 20 tasting rooms in downtown Solvang. But did you know several, such as the Lucas & Lewellen Wine Tasting Room, are dog-friendly?

Evening

Once you’re finished exploring for the day, kick back to dine. Local eateries range from the Fresno Valley Café, which offers a dog menu in addition to its fresh California cuisine with excellent craft beer, to The Hummingbird’s Island Caribbean cuisine.

PACIFIC CONSERVATORY THEATRE

If you’re in the mood for live entertainment, always be sure to see what’s happening at the 700-seat Solvang Festival Theater, where plays and concerts are staged.

January 21, 2020January 21, 2020

Home Tips: Puppy-Proofing Your Home

It’s the gift that keeps on yipping and chewing. For a lot of people, January means having to create a safe, secure home for the adorable, huggable bundle of newborn fur they received during the holidays. However, puppy-proofing your place can be harder than it seems. Here’s the scoop, so to speak, on how to make your home a healthy, happy one for the latest member of your family.

NO UNWANTED CHARGES

Puppies love to chew – not just on treats, toys, and shoes, but also on cords, cables, and wires. Owners should ensure all outlets, power cables, chargers and cords are either covered or put out of pup’s reach – otherwise the excitement of chomping into something new might not be the only jolt they receive.

GUARD THE GARBAGE

Nothing smells more tempting and irresistible to a puppy than the odors and aromas wafting from the lid of a trash can or the lip of a garbage bag. While most owners may have heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs (it is what did it to Brian on Family Guy, after all), other potential hazards lurking in your refuse include bones and other objects they might choke on or snack bags they could potentially suffocate in when poking their tiny heads where they don’t belong.

POISON CONTROL

Also on your puppy’s menu if you’re not careful: medications. Medications can prove fatal (or at least expensive to treat) when not properly stored. The same goes for household cleaners, chemical detergents, pest control products, and even glue. Finally – and less expected – is the danger that some houseplants can pose for your four-legged newcomer. If you want to make sure your plants are safe for a puppy, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control’s list of toxic plants and flowers.

DITCH THE OPEN DOOR POLICY

Puppies are natural-born explorers, so doors and windows should be shut at all times to keep your pup from running away or, worse, falling out. Baby gates can also be useful to prevent them from going where they shouldn’t. But that doesn’t mean you should treat your puppy as a prisoner. Rather, make sure they have an area that they can feel relaxed and comfortable.

FENCE THEM IN

While many new dog owners focus on what’s inside their home, they shouldn’t neglect puppy-proofing the outdoors. Ideally, any fencing should be too high to bound over and too secure to squeeze or crawl through. Make sure your lawn is mowed down to avoid attracting ticks or other insects that might hitch a ride on your pup. And while you should keep your new friend away from the yard if it is been recently treated with fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides, also look out for any plants that could prove poisonous.

January 16, 2020

LA Eats: Local Pizza Places

A good slice of pizza is a powerful thing. May that be one slice of five slices, pizza is your friend. It is important to support local restaurants and businesses as a way to feed into your local economy. Check out our round-up of our favorite pizza places throughout Los Angeles and the Valley.

Los Angeles

Numero Uno Pizza

5044 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

They specialize in Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza & Classic New York Style Thin Crust Pizza. They are also known for their Chicken Wings and Large Salads. Numero Uno Pizza was founded in 1973 with its first store in Northridge, CA. The company features a casual dining restaurant famous for its deep-dish pizza with its unique flavored crust and savory sauce.

All’ Angolo

4050 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Small, but charming restaurant serving northern Italian pizza, pasta & salads. Don’t let the size or location put you off; these guys are serving up some great Italian food. Simple ingredients with great taste. They have a small but complete menu of apps, salads (a soup d’ jour), pasta and pizzas; and don’t forget the daily blackboard specials.

Gracie’s Pizza

4330 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Opened in the Summer of 2016 with the goal of creating a true New York-style neighborhood joint. They create meals from scratch; with love, integrity, and pride. Their focus is to give back in a measurable way to their tightly knit block at Heliotrope and Melrose.

Westside

LA MORRA PIZZERIA

5125 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

These Neapolitan-style pizzas are made in a handmade oven by Zach Swemle & Marlee Blodgett, built especially for the ingredients of a Neapolitan pizza. La Morra’s simple and ingredient-driven Italian cooking and impressive crusts are offered weekly at the wine bar Tabula Rasa.

VITO’S PIZZA

846 N LA Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Vito’s Pizza is a local favorite. Their east coast inspired pies, perfectly crafted dough, and tomato sauce has its patrons traveling to all three of its Los Angeles locations. The pizza is ultra-thin, with a crisp underside and a good, chewy crust, and you can order by the slice. Vegetarians will appreciate the combination of fresh spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli with mild ricotta cheese.

Pizzeria il Fico

310 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Sleek, rustic-chic Italian eatery specializing in dishes from Puglia, with an extensive wine list. Despite the name, Il Fico is not strictly a pizzeria, it also turns out some Apulia-accented antipasti and most especially pasta dishes. At Vincenti, Mastronardi does the whole “elegantissimo” thing with an ambitious menu and polished and subtle cooking.

Valley

Chi-Chi’s Pizza

9080 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, CA

Local pizza chain for custom-made pies, plus pasta, antipasti & more in a casual, no-frills space. Great local spot for pizza at a reasonable price. Do yourself a favor, once you have had your Italian/Pizza fix, try the Golden Pressure Fried Chicken and Golden Potatoes. The salads and dressings will please also.

LBK Pizzeria

359 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA

At this Studio City outpost, there’s no place to sit inside, where the line to order pizza is endless. But there are some very pleasant picnic tables in front, making a fine pie on Tujunga Avenue a very pleasurable family experience.

Pasadena Pizza Co.

336 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena, CA

You get a choice of thick crust, thin crust and gluten-free at Pasadena Pizza Co. The pies are big, and even bigger. The toppings are many, but mostly classic, except maybe for the ones with pastrami and with Alfredo sauce. While you’re waiting, there are video games, and pinball machines, which take me back to my misspent youth.

Lamppost Pizza

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA

Lamppost Pizza offers great food, a friendly approach and a family-oriented atmosphere. Their community involvement includes being a proud supporter of the many youth athletic leagues in the area. Their team pizza parties are popular with all ages and sports. Bring your kids and family if you are local and are looking for tasty pizza!

Toppers Pizza

18417 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Family-friendly pizzeria chain known for unusual toppings & dough made daily. Toppers Pizza Place has been the winner of Best Pizza Category for both East and West Ventura County Every Year this Century! If you are in the area, come and experience great pizza.

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Weekend Events: January 17 – 19

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We pick out the best things to do in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. Check out our weekend events list that includes concerts, culture, cuisine, and more!

Los Angeles

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17^TH, 2020

Frozen (Touring)

LOCATION: Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Elsa, Olaf, and the rest of the characters living in the wintry kingdom hit the stage with more songs and thus more magic. The fanciful stage sets, hardy heroines, and inspiring musical selections will be sure to captivate you and your little ones. A confirmed hit on Broadway, the show will run in Los Angeles through February 2. Get Tickets: HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

LOCATION: Saban Theatre

This Chinese New Year Event is divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photography exhibit, and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The show features groups from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei including Chinese acrobats, martial arts, folk dance, and Peking opera. Get Tickets: HERE

Paolo Ventura’s First Solo Exhibit in Los Angeles

LOCATION: Gallerie XII Los Angeles

“An Invented World” spans six series and the most comprehensive overview of the celebrated Italian artist’s opus on the West Coast to date, including the debut of new works. This celebratory exhibit runs from January 18 to March 14 with a public opening reception with the artist on January 18, 4PM – 7PM. Tickets: FREE!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

LOCATION: Pershing Square Park

This is the last weekend to pretend there’s snow on the ground in Downtown L.A. Go for the skate session, stay for the good eats nearby. One hour session for $9 and skate rental for $5 makes an affordable date. Get Tickets: HERE

Pasadena Comic Con

LOCATION: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena

The Pasadena Comic Con and Toy Show is a one-day superhero culture event highlighting comic book and toy vendors, artists, creators, and celebrity guests and panels. Featured artists include Rikki Simons (Invader Zim), Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh). Get Tickets: HERE

Westside

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Special Dinner Cruise – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey

Enjoy the only dineLA experience happening on a yacht! This specially priced cruise includes a four-course seated dinner, boarding glass of champagne, DJ entertainment and dancing, and cruise enhancements. To book, call 1-800-668-4322 and learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Santa Monica Symphony MLK Concert

LOCATION: SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Symphony celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring music from African American composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still, the program will include a traditional audience sing-along of “We Shall Overcome”. No tickets necessary, opening seating.

Marion Davies Guest House & Docent Tours

Explore the rich history of the Beach House with Santa Monica Conservatory docents. No charge to visit and no reservation required. Stop by any time 11am- 2pm when docents are available. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and accommodate up to 15 people.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Southern California Slack Key Festival

LOCATION: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Since 2008, the Southern California Slack Key Festival has been the largest Hawaiian music concert in the mainland US. Hawaiian ki ho’alu is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. If you’re looking to vibe to some music and explore the island marketplace, this is where you want to be. Get Tickets: HERE

Sonoma Wine Garden – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 395 Santa Monica Place Suite 300, Santa Monica

Enjoy fall menu favorites for lunch or dinner in a two-three course meal – vegan options available. For an advanced view of the menu: reservations@sonomawinegarden.com

Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

American Theatre Guild Presents Finding Neverland

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks

Think happy thoughts while leaning into this timeless story brought to life. From the imagination of Tony-award winning director Diane Paulus, you’re brought enthralling visuals, irresistible songs, and laugh out loud comedy. Get Tickets: HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour

LOCATION: 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA

Barbie is on the road, celebrating her 60-year iconic heritage. Check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch and customized air-brushing only available at the truck. Registration not required.

Coffee With a Scientist

LOCATION: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

The King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center is proud to host “Coffee With…” featuring local scientists, professors, and experts. Spend an hour casually discussing social and environmental issues while tasting locally roasted coffee. Register: HERE

Sunday, January 19th, 2020

Turn Around in Burbank

LOCATION: TAG Studio Theatre

Spend the evening with the winner of the 2019 TAG Solo Festival, written and directed by Sarah Frutig. “A woman’s circular ceremonial journey of the heart […] with her father’s spirit bearing silent witness” – Get Tickets: HERE.

Annie

LOCATION: SANTA CLARITA Performing Arts Center

Set in the 1930s, starring a plucky little orphan, and featuring your favorite Annie songs: “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”. This production is sure to lighten your mood and weekend. Get Tickets: HERE

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Rodeo News: Top 10 Beverly Hills Real Estate Edition

Every year, Top 10 Beverly Hills will curate lists of their “Top Ten” Real Estate Agents, Plastic Surgeons, Dentists, Doctors, Interior Designers, and more within the Beverly Hills area.

We are excited to see three of our very own agents made this list. There are over 3,000 Real Estate Agents in the Beverly Hills area alone. This is no small feat. Jimmy Heckenberg, Jordana Leigh, and Joe Babajian are on this list representing Rodeo Realty.

Jimmy, Jordana, and Joe are some of Rodeo Realty’s top producing agents. They are sure to listen to the needs of their clients while understanding that each client differs from the next.

Congrats again!

January 16, 2020

Out and About: Newport Beach Edition

Looking to get away for one day of your weekend? Can’t afford (time-wise) to fly to Hawaii for just a day? Well, you are in luck. Just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway is the eclectic coastal city of Newport Beach. With an abundance of shopping destinations, dining experiences, day trips, and unique activities, Newport Beach is a memorable shift from the hustle and bustle of our lively LA homes.

Morning

PLUM’S CAFE

Start your morning with a twist on brunch at Plum’s Cafe. Order mimosas or Bloody Mary’s and the coconut french toast for a classic spin on a local favorite. Don’t forget to make a reservation, seating fills up quickly. For a full weekend brunch menu, click here.

SIDECAR DOUGHNUTS

Walk across the street for a sweet bite from the original Sidecar Doughnuts location, for novelty flavors like maple bacon, or meyer lemon and thyme. Flavors are updated each month, for a full list click here.

BALBOA ISLAND

Bordering the Newport Beach Harbor and homes of celebrities on the water, Balboa Island offers a relaxing breezy atmosphere to all its visitors. Walk the circumference of the man made island, which is only accessible by ferry or bridge, to the historical Balboa Island Ferry which has taken passengers from the island to the Balboa Peninsula for over 100 years.

Board a Whale Watching Boat Tour, grab a quintessential frozen banana from Dad’s, plan a Duffy rental with family, or bring the kids to visit the Fun Zone.

Afternoon

RUBY’S ON THE PIER

For a kid-friendly lunch, walk to the end of the Balboa Pier to enjoy Ruby’s on the pier. With surfers and fisherman bordering both sides, your little one will surely be entertained with the beach city excitement.

LIDO MARINA VILLAGE

For a different ambience, travel up the peninsula to the Lido Marina Village for a roll of sushi from the daily happy hour at Nobu, or visit Malibu Farms for a fresh alternative.

Admire the view of the yachts in the harbor, the photogenic scenery, and the freshly picked flowers by French Buckets.

Evening

FASHION ISLAND

Spend your afternoon with an elevated shopping experience found at the epitome of Newport Beach elegance, Fashion Island.

Stop at one of the finer dining locations Fashion Island has to offer. Then attend a film in the reclining leather chairs of The Lot. To close the evening, walk through the koi pond and sit near the fountains. Enjoy the view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and Newport Beach Harbor.

January 10, 2020January 15, 2020

Rodeo News: LA Magazine Names Rodeo’s Own Among 2020 Real Estate All-Stars

With 2020 kicked into high gear, Rodeo Realty is off to a great start. This month, LA Magazine released their 2020 list of “Real Estate All-Stars,” and named 22 of our own agents. With tens of thousands of agents based in Los Angeles, it is an honor to see so many Rodeo Realty agents included.

Rodeo Realty is not just a leader in Luxury Real Estate, it is a family of top-producing agents, unparalleled expertise, and global presence. Check out the Rodeo Realty agents included in the “Real Estate All-Stars” list below!

Michael Barasch

Dana Frank

Josh Flagg

Casey Gordon

Scott Goshhorn

Jimmy Heckenberg

Poupee Komenkul

Jordana Leigh

Adi Livyatan

Paul Margolis

Peter Maurice

Leo McHale

Shane Nichols

Matthew Paul

Roger Perry

Ben Salem

David Salmanson

Marc Tahler

Andrew Teshinsky

Carol Wolfe

Kenneth Zietz

Desiree Zuckerman

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

LA Eats: Your Guide to Restaurant Month

Los Angeles Restaurant Month is an event hosted semi-annually, with over 400 participating restaurants showcasing prix-fixe dining menus to foodies and self-proclaimed food lovers, for a lower than expected dining rate. We cover places in Los Angeles, the Westside, and the Valley. Enjoy one of these premier dining destinations from our guide below, or all of them!

Valley

Sherman Oaks

Mistral

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 13422 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423

Dinner Menu: $35

Having opened our doors in 1988, Mistral has consistently been recognized as among the San Fernando Valley’s best restaurants. Set within an elegant French bistro, guests are welcomed by seasoned and experienced staff members all charged with the sole purpose to provide you and your guests with an unparalleled dining experience.

Calabasas

SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas 91302

Lunch Menu: $20

Dinner Menu: $39

SUGARFISH was created Kazunori and Tom Nozawa and the four other founding partners of the Sushi Nozawa Group. The legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa only served traditional-style sushi (i.e. no California rolls or spicy tuna rolls). His menu was only omakase (“leave it to the chef”).

Agoura Hills

Cafe Bizou

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 30315 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills 91301

Dinner Menu: $29

At Café Bizou, they pride themselves in providing top quality service and delicious food in a family-friendly restaurant. Café Bizou Restaurant is the perfect setting for Business Meetings and Events, Family Reunions, Birthday celebrations or Rehearsal dinners.

Burbank

Castaway

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank 91501

Dinner Menu: $59

Cape Grim Steaks. Pasture Bird. Mishima Wagyu. These are some of our culinary stars. Castaway will offer seasonally-inspired cuisine with a steak-forward focus including interesting cuts from the world’s best butchers and dry-aged in our in-house aging room with a Himalayan salt wall.

Calabasas

Saddle Peak Lodge

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas 91302

Dinner Menu: $59

Part roadhouse, Pony Express stop, hunting lodge, European auberge, perhaps even a hint of a bordello, Saddle Peak Lodge has been many things to many people in its long history. For 100 years—some say even more—Saddle Peak Lodge has been a place of enchantment, romance and great dining for generations of those who seek a unique experience.

Westside