Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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20 Eateries To Explore In Manhattan Beach

It’s easy to mistake Manhattan Beach for a sleepy beach town (especially compared to its busier northern neighbors like Santa Monica or Venice), but don’t be fooled: the dining scene here is full of diverse and legitimately great choices, from modern Southeast Asian to simple, homey American. Here are 20 local eateries you need to explore in MB. 

COURTESY OF THE STRAND HOUSE

The Strand House 

Seasonally focused, elegantly plated fare with dazzling ocean views
The Strand House could serve canned food and still command crowds for its sweeping Pacific Ocean panoramas — but thankfully, executive chef Austin Cobb’s beautifully executed plates live up to the view. Though signature mainstays like Parker House rolls are still on the menu, Cobb’s added a few eclectic dishes: chili-dusted avocado (influenced by a trip to Mexico City) with a crème fraîche-filled core served over crunchy jicama; fluffy Italian gnudi dumplings stuffed with silky ricotta (Cobb picked up many of his current techniques and seasonal approach to cooking via a stint working in Southern Italy); and tender Kurobuta pork chop accompanied by German-style spaetzle and braised cabbage. Save room for equally jaw-dropping desserts — like citrus-olive oil cake and a bubble waffle paired with cheesecake curd maple ice cream — on a list that leaves no room for unimaginative flourless chocolate cakes. While you’re there, you might also get a sense of Cobb’s warm hospitality; the chef grew up in the South Bay himself, but his family, naturally, hails from the South.

WESTDRIFT

Jute Coastal Bar + Kitchen 

Tasteful, coastal-inspired hotel restaurant with shared-plates menu
Located inside a sleek, brand-new Marriott International Autograph Collection hotel called Westdrift, Jute is helmed by executive chef Octavio Sabado, who formerly worked at SLS Hotel’s The Bazaar. The focus here is on shareable small and large plates made with worldly ingredients and seasonal produce, all served in an airy, sunlit space. Try the caviar-topped avocado toast for breakfast; sophisticated flatbreads and refreshing salads for lunch; and wagyu beef cheeks, kimchee ravioli, and lamb sliders for dinner. The cocktail menu nods to a bicoastal theme: Manhattan & A Side of Coffee (bourbon, nitro coffee, and black walnut bitters) sits on the East Coast side, while LA Women (vodka rose, mulberry gin, and fruity syrup) resides on the West.

Simmzy’s

Open-air, upbeat gastropub offering craft beers and burgs
On any given day of the week, the original Simmzy’s — which has since expanded to Burbank, Venice, and other neighborhoods — is still one of the most fun, energetic joints on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Come for the rotating selection of excellent craft beers (from Belgian-style tripels to American IPAs and sweeter stouts), and stay for bar-friendly bites like blue cheese fries, grilled corn served street-style, and substantial burgers.

CAFE WILD

Cafe Wild

Relaxed, family-friendly cafe serving all three meals
This casual spot had some big shoes to fill after moving into the space formerly occupied by Manhattan Beach’s beloved Four Daughters Cafe, but so far it’s done a solid job. With a menu that boasts eggs Benedict, seared ahi tuna salad, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich, they’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, but (in this case at least) that isn’t a bad thing. Bottomless mimosas during brunch certainly help.

Zinc 

All-day hotel restaurant and lounge with alfresco terrace
Inside the luxury boutique Shade Hotel, you’ll find Zinc: an all-around crowdpleaser with a farm-to-table approach, an extensive beverage menu of California wines and craft cocktails, and a cool, beachy ambiance that comes alive in the evening (thanks to outdoor fire pits and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays). Some of the best dishes on the dinner menu are Asian-inspired, like the pork belly buns with mint sambal or the coconut curry shrimp, while weekend brunch includes classic items with clever twists, like vanilla bean brioche French toast and an Emmenthal cheese and mushroom omelet.

NICK’S

Nick’s Manhattan Beach 

Popular bistro that’s perfected flavor-packed American comfort food
Nick’s is situated in a stylish outdoor shopping center, but the place is far from your standard mall restaurant. For one, its attractive space includes handsome leather booths and a sweet, sheltered patio. Secondly, the overall menu is classic but boasts a few made-you-think-twice touches, like deep-fried asparagus spears with a crisp Parmesan crust, and a fantastic sandwich of buttermilk-fried chicken, sweet slaw, and havarti nestled in a honey-mustard-and-mayo-smeared brioche bun.

SunLife Organics

One-stop shop for fresh juices and quick, healthy bowls
Since opening its Manhattan Beach outpost in 2016, SunLife Organics has fit right in with the beach crowd. This wellness-focused cafe serves up fresh-squeezed juices, superfood-enhanced shakes, bone broth, and more, but this isn’t the kind of health food that leaves you hungry afterward: bowls are hearty and satiating, ingredient-packed smoothies are rich, and everything on the menu is delicious. Located a few blocks from the pier, this spot offers the perfect pre- or post-beach bite for surfers and sunbathers (although, if you’re really lazy, they also offer takeout and delivery via the ChowNow app).

COURTESY OF MANHATTAN BEACH POST

Manhattan Beach Post

Farm-to-table shared plates served in a boisterous environment
Chef David LeFevre kick-started Manhattan Beach’s restaurant renaissance by opening MB Post back in 2011, and while there’s a lot more competition in the area now, locals still flock to this OG spot. Here’s why: brunch is always reliably excellent, with a range of sweet and savory dishes (LeFevre’s famously fluffy bacon-Cheddar biscuits are the perfect vehicle for an addictive maple butter spread), and the evening’s small-plates-focused menu is perfect for people who like to graze on cured meats, mushroom mac & cheese, and seared diver scallops.

Ercoles 1101

Beachside neighborhood dive slinging cheap drinks and bomb burgers
Beloved Ercoles isn’t fancy, but you don’t need a cloth napkin to sop up the juice from this dive bar’s phenomenal burger. Expect a high-quality beef patty (from Manhattan Meats next door) loaded with toppings and tucked inside a small bun for a sloppy, satisfying experience. But don’t just come for the food: stay for a game of pool with the old-timers and beach volleyball players dragging sand in on their flip-flops, or enjoy a cheap pitcher while sitting in one of the well-worn booths, which have been around since Ercoles first opened in 1927.

COURTESY OF LOVE & SALT

Love & Salt

Lively Italian trattoria known for its wood-fired pizzas
Love & Salt is more than a pizza place, but it’s hard not to feel laser-focused on the pies when you consider how they’re made. The dough recipe requires only four ingredients (flour, water, yeast, and salt), but a minimum of 48 hours — involving a long, slow, cold-fermenting process that creates a crisp, crunchy, light-as-air crust. (According to chef Michael Fiorelli, that’s why you can eat so many duck egg slices without keeling over.) The restaurant also just debuted its Early Bird Special; every Saturday, the first 15 guests get a chicken sausage sandwich on the house.

The Arthur J

Sleek, upscale steakhouse with an impressive meat selection
When you need to close the deal — whether it’s with your date’s parents or a potential client — take them to LeFevre’s first-class steakhouse. At a place like this, meat is the star of the menu: Japanese wagyu streaked with white marbling; prime, dry-aged steak, like the nutty-sweet bone-in tomahawk; and pot roast slow-cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the sides are no afterthought. There are football-sized popovers filled with the sharp tang of Emmenthal cheese, crisped-up Brussels sprouts roasted with dates and red onions, and a creamed spinach that’s, well, exceptionally creamy.

FishBar

Elevated sports bar specializing in seafood and artisanal drinks
Like every sports bar worth its salt, FishBar has themed days like Monday Margarita Madness or Wine & Crab Wednesdays. But the differences end there, because this spot serves nothing like your typical bar fare. Instead, you’ll find seafood-heavy items with a touch of sophistication, like mesquite-grilled scallop skewers laced with applewood smoked bacon, truffle crab mac & cheese, and smoked salmon chowder. There’s also a popular weekday oyster hour from 2:30-5:30pm — $1.75 each, in increments of six — and a sizable selection of draft beers, wines by the glass, and handcrafted cocktails with marine-inspired names like The Mermaid.

COURTESY OF MARIE BUCK

Fishing With Dynamite

Local favorite with consistently spectacular seafood dishes
This LeFevre gem, which celebrated its fifth birthday on May 1 with a lobster boil, serves up some of South Bay’s best seafood. That’s no small feat, considering the area’s full of fish-focused restaurants. LeFevre’s chilled seafood platters are stunning arrangements of succulent shellfish and oysters on beds of crushed ice, while the raw bar boasts lobster, crab legs, and Peruvian scallops. But Fishing With Dynamite’s more inventive dishes can’t be missed either. Go for the yellowfin tuna crudo, which comes with interesting flavors like chili and hazelnut, and Koshihikari rice — a creamy, risotto-like puddle of blue crab, shrimp, uni, and egg yolk.

Petros

Bright, airy Greek/Cali restaurant with alfresco seating
Feel free to bring an obnoxiously large group of friends here: Petros’s patio can accommodate bigger parties, and its various dips and appetizers make tapas-style dining easy. The distinctly Mediterranean dishes are a combination of fresh California produce and imported ingredients from Greece — like the karpouzi salad, which is watermelon and heirloom tomatoes tossed with Greek semi-soft manouri cheese, honey, and olive oil.

COURTESY OF RICE

Rice

Vegan-friendly Japanese joint for rolls, ramen, and izakaya-style bites
Rice markets itself as vegan-friendly, but there’s plenty of fish on the menu for non-vegans. This under-the-radar Japanese restaurant prepares mostly healthy-ish, organic, gluten-free food — which, against all stereotypes, is downright mouthwatering under the direction of chef Hiroyuki Igarashi. Nosh on spicy miso ramen made with tempeh, organic brown rice rolls, bluefin toro presented with crispy kale, and a variety of shareable veggie plates — ideally washed down with a sake/sangria fusion cocktail.

North End Caffe

Homey, all-day spot known for hefty breakfast plates and sandwiches
Sure, it’s tough to mess up a sandwich, but it’s also difficult to come by a truly memorable one. The latter — freshly made, hearty, full of quality ingredients — is what North End boasts on its comprehensive sammie menu, which includes everything from the tasty Hermana (a hard-fried egg tucked in with brie, bacon, mashed avo, and green chilies) to the carnivore-friendly Guapo (layers of ham, bacon, sausage, Cheddar, and tomato).

COURTESY OF LITTLE SISTER

Little Sister

Modern Southeast Asian eats with a trendy vibe
There’s never a quiet moment at this upscale Southeast Asian spot — in part due to its popularity since opening in 2013 and a hip-hop playlist. Influenced by a hodgepodge of cuisines — Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, colonial Dutch, and more — chef Tin Vuong prepares food that tastes both traditional and incredibly modern. Prepare for a flavor blowout: butter-drenched lobster dressed in salt, pepper, chilies, and garlic; shaky shaky beef, a favorite dish made with burnt butter soy and tomato-garlic fried rice; and ginger-scallion satay with a sweet soy sauce.

El Tarasco

Reliably greasy and satisfying Mexican food
This hole in the wall has served up greasy, flavorful, easy-on-the-wallet Mexican food to locals for decades. Feel free to come here shirtless, shoeless, and starving straight from the beach — no one will blink an eye.

COURTESY OF MANHATTAN BEACH CREAMERY

Manhattan Beach Creamery

Beloved local ice creamery crafting small-batch flavors
Ice cream here comes in 28 made-from-scratch flavors, using 14% butterfat (an ingredient that helps lend a decadent, velvety mouthfeel) and only about 70% overrun. The latter refers to the amount of air whipped into the cream while it’s made; a lower percentage creates a creamier, smoother, and richer consistency. All the usual suspects, like cookie dough and salted caramel, are here, but so are some out-of-the-box offerings, such as maple bacon crunch, red velvet, and sticky bun crunch.

The Kettle

24-hour restaurant perfect for late-night munchies
This landmark Manhattan Beach diner, which is open 24 hours a day, has something on the menu for everyone — and they mean it. You can customize any item to your liking, whether it’s the crispy breakfast potato nachos, crab cake po’ boy sandwich, or spicy chicken parmesan. No matter what you decide on, though, you have to try The Kettle’s warm, homemade muffins (seriously, everyone talks about them), which they sometimes sample along with hot coffee during long wait times.

Story courtesy of Thrillist. 
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Economic update for the week ending June 23, 2018

Stocks down sharply for a second consecutive week –  
Stocks dropped across the board this week. The Dow, now in negative territory for the year,  dropped more than 500 points. Continued tensions on trade and tariffs caused investors to fear that a looming trade war could cause a global slow down and higher inflation. For example, two weeks ago, the Trump Administration announced $50 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, and China quickly followed by announcing a similar amount of tariffs on U.S. products. This week, Trump announced tariffs on another $200 billion in Chinese goods, which was quickly followed by China targeting another $200 billion in U.S. goods. Even Canada announced tariffs on U.S. imports this week, in retaliation on tariffs we placed on them in late May. It should be noted that almost none of these tariffs have actually been placed in effect. It may be posturing in order to cut a deal, as negotiations are ongoing. Many of these tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on July 6. We shall wait and see.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 24,580.49, down from 25,090.48 last week. It is down 0.6% year-to-date.  The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,764,88, down from 2,779.66. It’s up 3% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,692.82, down from 7,746.38 last week.  It’s up 11.4% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields down slightly this week  – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.90%, down slightly from 2.93% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.04%, almost unchanged from 3.05% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates.

Mortgage Rates lower this week –  The June 21, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.57%, down from 4.62% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.04%, down slightly from 4.07% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.83%, unchanged from 3.83% last week.

California adds fewer jobs, but the unemployment rate remained at an all time low in May – The California Employment Development Department reported that California employers added 5,500 new jobs in May. This was down from a robust April, where 25,600 jobs were added. While this suggests that job growth slowed in May, experts were quick to point out that the state has had many months where job growth has fluctuated similar to April and May, so nobody should assume that job growth is stalling. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, the lowest reading since the state began its current system of its unemployment reading in the 1970’s.

Fewer California existing homes sold in May, as price increases accelerated – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales totaled 409,270 in May on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That was down 1.8% from April, and down 4.6% from May 2017’s sales pace. The state-wide median price in May was $600,860, up 2.8% from April and 9.2% higher than last May. On a more local level, the median price increased 9.1% year-over-year in Los Angeles County, 5.4% in Orange County, and 5.3% in Ventura County. The unsold inventory index in May stood at a 3 month supply of housing for sale, up from 2.9 months in May 2017.

Have a great weekend!
Syd
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Great Places To Eat At In Anaheim

Outside of Orange County, Anaheim is mostly known for its largest tourist destination: Disneyland. But locals know that the city extends far beyond The Happiest Place on Earth, with plenty of non-Disney things worth doing — and the food scene doesn’t end at the resort zone, either. Dig deeper into the strip malls, modern food courts, and transit terminals in Anaheim’s surrounding grid, and you’ll uncover restaurants serving food from around the world that are cool enough for LA, but could only exist in the OC.

From speakeasy fine dining to all-Halal feasts (and every down-home American breakfast in between), here are the restaurants you should be eating at in Anaheim right now.

THE BLIND RABBIT

The Blind Rabbit

Hidden spot for fine cocktails and decadent food
Orange County’s first speakeasy is thankfully still one of its best. Some of the most creative mixologists in the region continue to pass through The Blind Rabbit’s hidden front doors, where they craft seasonal menus of stalwart classics and custom cocktails that range from off-the-wall to tiki-inspired. A food menu of equal decadence (bone marrow, duck confit mac & cheese, lamb chops) awaits — if you can find the place.

Olive Tree

Middle Eastern food at Little Arabia’s preeminent restaurant
Orange County’s unofficial “Little Arabia” is a conglomeration of restaurants and businesses around the intersection of Brookhurst and Ball in West Anaheim; Olive Tree is its most notable food ambassador. The eatery (which recently expanded across the strip mall) serves familiar Middle Eastern food like falafel and beef shawarma alongside hard-to-find regional specialties from Palestine, Libya, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

COURTESY OF MFK

MFK by Aysee

Filipino bowls and a dinner you eat with your hands
In the Philippines, chef Henry Pineda’s aunt and grandmother own a small chain of restaurants specializing in sisig, or crispy chopped pig-head parts that come sizzling on a cast-iron plate. In Anaheim, Pineda serves the same dish but is more well known for his quick-service rice bowls topped with everything from spiced chicken adobo to crispy pork belly lechon. Order in advance for a full kamayan dinner, where you’ll eat a traditional Filipino meal of various fried and stewed meats off banana leaves with no utensils.

Club 33 and Napa Rose at Disneyland

The two best restaurants at the Happiest Place on Earth
Amusement parks are known for hocking lots of junk food, but Disneyland’s most exclusive dining experiences instead offer up-close views to upscale, cheffy freedom. At Napa Rose inside the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Chef’s Table offers custom, multi-course meals from chef Andrew Sutton, who puts SoCal twists on NorCal-inspired California cuisine. Club 33, meanwhile, is Sutton’s more historic affair. The exclusive, membership-only restaurant hidden somewhere in New Orleans Square is where, for $10,000 a year (plus a $25,000 initiation fee), you get five annual passes, private tours, access to VIP treatment and the privilege of reserving a time to try Sutton’s take on classic American fine dining.

COURTESY OF THE RANCH

THE RANCH

Farm-to-table steakhouse and dance hall
THE RANCH (yes, all caps) can best be described as a new-school steakhouse — enough nostalgia to represent the genre, but with a contemporary upgrade to keep the food snobs happy. Executive chef Michael Rossi and master sommelier Michael Jordan (both formerly of Disneyland’s Napa Rose) represent Western farm-to-table with seasonal takes on classic meat dishes, like a 36-ounce bone-in rib-eye and Beeler’s Family Farm pork chop. Bring lots of friends, and stick around for the live music afterward!

The Oyster Bar SKC

Southern selections inside a transit hub
The Oyster Bar SKC is the only sit-down restaurant operating inside ARTIC: Anaheim’s new train and bus terminal that looks like a fluorescent rainbow airplane hangar just off the 57 Freeway. With a New Orleans theme, The Oyster Bar focuses on seafood-drenched pan roasts — made through steam kettle cooking, thus the “SKC” — and its raw bar, which stocks shells of all kinds from every coast.

COURTESY OF EL GAUCHO

El Gaucho

Argentine market and deli that’s perfect for lunch
From the outside, El Gaucho looks like it could be just another suburban carniceria, but this Argentine market and deli counter offers so much more. Shelves of South American goods and a well-stocked butcher counter await for the grab-and-go set, while the attached deli oozes Italian influence with Argentine pizzas, charcuterie sandwiches, and empanadas stuffed with Mediterranean spiced meats like beef and tuna.

Ma’s Islamic Chinese

Pork-free dishes from Western China
If you ever needed a reminder of how diverse Chinese food can be, spend a Sunday grubbing with a posse at Ma’s Islamic Chinese, a restaurant that from the outside looks like a mosque but might as well be Muslim Chinese food heaven. No pork, but lots of beef, lamb, and noodles dot a menu of massively portioned dishes, each originating from the Hui people of Western China. Food here is hearty, heaving with spice and designed to be wiped up with a fresh sesame-seed flatbread that tastes like the bridge between the Arab and Chinese worlds — just like the Hui themselves.

HEALTHY JUNK

Healthy Junk

Vegan fast food and other comforts
When a former manager of beloved Costa Mesa vegan restaurant Native Foods strikes out on her own, you get Healthy Junk: a haven of animal-free comfort food on a redeveloped promenade in Anaheim. Almost In-N-Out burgers, mock-meat Tex-Mex, and not-lame salads made this one of the OC’s early vegan spots that helped spawned the current wave of cruelty-free dining.

Don Churros Gomez

Churro truck straight outta Jalisco
Forget the Instagram-famous wannabes at The Loop and Churroholic: Don Churros Gomez is the real deal. Pulling from a family recipe brought here from the highlands of Jalisco, this Anaheim food truck makes not long and lean churros of the carnival variety, but puffy, fat and stout ones oozing caramel and topped with ice cream. It’s what churros have always wanted to taste like — worth the wait!

FLICKR/BOB B. BROWN

The Original Pancake House

Old-school breakfast in a classic setting
The Original Pancake House might have started in the Pacific Northwest, but its Anaheim location has become a breakfast institution for its decades of dedication to the international art of flapjacks. Specializing in sugary and fruit-filled pancake recipes from around the world, TOPH is where you’ll find Danish, Dutch, and Tahitian specialties plus crepes, bacon waffles and enough maple syrup to put you in a sugar coma before lunchtime.

The Scratch Room

New, creative modern brunch  
Traditional breakfast mashes up with contemporary SoCal culture at The Scratch Room, where brunchy burgers come on French toast-dipped brioche buns, and the Benedicts are topped with corned beef hash, salmon cakes, carnitas, and more. The family-owned restaurant is everything a modern diner in Anaheim should be — machaca breakfast burrito and all.

Story by Thrillist. 

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Weekend Events: June 22 – 24

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend, from Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24, features Dance DTLA, Concha Con, The LA Taco & Beer Festival, The Arroyo Seco, Off The 405 at the Getty, Annenberg PetSpace ‘AnnniFURsary’ Celebration, KCRW’s World Festival and MUCH more.

Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

Friday June 22nd, 2018

1. The Music Center’s annual Dance DTLA series is back for 2018 with a series of Friday-night events at Grand Park. Kicking off the series is Dance Downtown. Learn some new movies via free dance instructions with a different focus on dance styles every event. This week features the art of Samba. FREE

2. Shakespeare By The Sea will once again offer a ten-week program of admission-free performances with two featured productions: The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Winter’s Tale at a variety of venues across the Los Angeles. The series continues with performances of The Winter’s Tale at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p. Thursday through Saturday. FREE

3. FIGat7th Downtown Festival is back for another festive summer filled with live performances by leading artists in a variety of genres. The series concludes with performances by WAVVES and Thumpasaurus. FREE 

4. The Chocolate And Art Show Los Angeles returns to the Vortex in DTLA June 22-23 for a peek at some of L.A.’s best up-and-coming artists, photographers and creators, all converging in one delicious space. Highlights of the night include live body painting, vendors, live music, face-painting, and of course… free chocolate treats.

5. Cat Art Show 3: The Sequel Returns Again is on view from June 14-24 at Think Tank Gallery in Downtown. Admission is free on weekdays and $5 on weekends with several special ticketed events throughout the show dates.

6. Every year local breweries, bars and restaurants celebrate LA Beer Week (June 16-24) through events highlighting craft beer culture. Check their schedule for all the free and ticketed events happening this week.

7. Beyond the Streets is a fully immersive exhibition of street and graffiti art comprised of over 30 artist in a massive 40,000+ square feet exhibits. Artist are an eclectic mix of street and beyond including Retna, Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf Dennis Hopper and Jenny Holzer. Open Tuesday through Sunday this week. Open Tuesday through Sunday this week. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. On view now until July 6, 2018. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

8. Free Family Movie Nights at Redondo Beach Pier will screen Peter Rabbit this Friday. FREE

9. The BET Experience is back with show stopping performances all week from Ferg, Teyana Taylor, SZA, Lil Pump and more.

10. Grand Park will host Big L.A. Portrait Gallery from June 7 to July 4, transforming itself into a nighttime art gallery featuring photos by Los Angeles-based artists.  Photography will be projected onto the 100 square-foot wall of the historic L.A. County Hall of Records right in front of Grand Park. Art will be on display nightly from sundown to midnight and is free to the public. FREE

11. Are you a Chase bank customer? Got a freebie you might want to know about. Coolhaus is teaming with the Forum and Chase to hand out free ice cream sandwiches to Chase customers on Fridays all summer long. Locations will change every Friday, and the offer is ice cream sandwich per cardholder. Get more info here.

12. The Sorting Room nightclub housed within the Wallis Center’s Lovelace Studio Center presents a new season of unpredictable performances from poets, composers, jazz singers, cabaret veterans and more in a variety of genres alongside happy hour drink specials. This week R&B soul artist Kandace Lindsey will take the stage.

13. For over 30 years, Grand Performances has offered a variety of performance events at California Plaza, for free. Their 2018 summer series runs June 1 through August 18. This Friday French pianist Christophe Chassel will perform his “ultrascore” project, Indiamore. On Saturday music, comedy, stories, and short films from digital series The Secret Lives of Muslims will be screened. FREE

14. Rooftop Cinema Club returns to the rooftops of LEVEL in DTLA and NeueHouse in Hollywood with multiple screenings this week that include Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman, Baby Driver and more.

15. Venues such as 2nd Stage, Hudson Theatres, The Broadwater and the Underground Annex Theater will host comedy, ensemble theatre, dance and many more performances during the annual Hollywood Fringe Festival from June 7-24.

16. Barnsdall Fridays returns to Barnsdall Art Park for the tenth year in a row, with evening tastings of boutique wines and music from KCRW DJs perched atop a hill with incredible city views.

17. Summer Movies in the Park is a family-friendly movie night in the city of Monterey Park with free popcorn. Kicking off the series is Beauty & the Beast at George Elder Park. FREE

18. This Friday Caltech’s Stargazing and Lecture series returns to Pasadena for a night of outer worldly discussions and some stargazing. FREE 

19. June is California Avocado Month and Grand Central Market in DTLA is the place to be for all things avocado. A select group of chefs have rolled out avocado inspired offerings on their menu just for the month.

20. Rogue Artists Ensemble’s ‘Hyper-Theater’ style show Wood Boy Dog Fish combines puppetry and tech to produce a visually stunning show. A dark re-telling of the classic Pinocchio story, this show is strictly for adults. Wood Boy Dog Fish runs Friday through Sundays now till June 24 at the Garry Marshall Theater. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

Saturday June 23rd, 2018

21. The Mass Meditation Initiative is a free festival that features mindful yoga, live performances, sound domes, vegan products, art and more at Los Angeles State Historic Park. FREE

22. Concha Con at Plaza de la Raza will feature over 60 Latinx vendors (with sweet treats!), interactive installations, live food demonstrations, a fashion show, a Lucha Libre art exhibit and kid-friendly activities.

23. The LA Taco & Beer Festival at Raleigh Studios (June 23-24) is back at at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood with unlimited taco and beer tastings from local and national taco venders and breweries.

24. The Arroyo Seco Weekend music festival features an impressive lineup for both days including Neil Young, Kings of Leon, Jack White, Pretenders, Alanis Morissette and Third Eye Blind. Happening Saturday and Sunday.

25. Drunken Devil presents Sin-A-Rama an evening of madness and mayhem. Be transported to a 70’s style movie premiere at a seedy theatre where drinks flow and concession stand eats are endless. There will be tantalizing burlesque, heavy blues and dirty disco tunes.

26. LACMA will host a night of Korean Art & Exploration of the museums Korean art collection, one of the largest collections of Korean works in the United States. The evening includes gallery viewing, discussions, art making, Korean tea tastings, and a mini-fashion show. FREE

27. Street Food Cinema returns this weekend with a screening of Goonies in Glendale Central Park, I, Tonya at Poinsettia Rec Park and Back to the Future at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Select screenings are discounted via Goldstar.

28. Blue Roof Studios Arts Festival in South Los Angeles will spotlight the diversity of our city through 60+ artists and 20″ artisans, along with live music and other performances, local food for sale, a makers bazaar, and workshops. FREE

29. Eat|See|Hear returns for 2018 with a screening of Clerks at The Autry Museum. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

Off the 405, free concerts at the Getty will host performances by Peaking Lights Family Band and Onochie Chukwurah with a DJ set by Aquarium Drunkard. FREE

30. Get ready to paw-ty, because SoCal Corgi Beach Day returns with more than 1,000 Corgis expected to attend. Happening at Huntington Dog Beach, events include costume contests, Corgi limbo, Corgi watermelon eating contest and more. FREE

31. Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents The South Bay Festival of the Arts a free day of entertainment, art exhibitions, crafts and demonstrations. FREE

32. Riviera Village Summer Fest in Redondo Beach happening Satruday and Sunday features 200+ exhibitors, an international food court, carnival rides and free admission. FREE

33. Cinespia is back for its 17th summer season, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for screenings of films modern, cult, and classic. This Saturday they’ll screen Raiders of the Lost Ark.

34. Head to Downtown Long Beach for FKA 720 at the Promenade and Broadway on Saturday for a day of live music, skating, live mural art, a dance floor and more. FREE

35. One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival is a 40 day celebration through mostly free art events and exhibits between May 22 through June 30. This weekend Heroic Lives a musical based on the lives of and performed by LGBTQ seniors at City Council Chambers on Saturday and a Summer Sounds concert with Mariachi Arcoiris, the world’s only LGBTQ mariachi at Plumber Park on Sunday. FREE 

36. Last Remaining Seats, the Los Angeles Conservancy’s annual event featuring classic film screenings in some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful vintage movie palaces. This week they’ll screen The Joy Luck Club at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.

37. Outdoor theater Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, located in Topanga Canyon summer 2018 season begins on June 2 with a performance of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus.

38. The 33rd Annual Long Beach Bayou Festival brings the Big Easy to the LBC at Queen Mary Events Park. NOLA is known for its food and music and this event always brings out the best of both. Happening Saturday and Sunday.

39. Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer prize-winning masterpiece Long Day’s Journey Into Night led by director Sir Richard Eyre and starring Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons and Olivier winner Lesley Manville is now playing at The Wallis until July 1, 2018.

Sunday June 24th, 2018

40. Annenberg PetSpace is hosting a free ‘AnnniFURsary’ Celebration This Sunday featuring meet-and-greets with adoptable pets, behind-the-scenes tours of PetSpace, complimentary food trucks, and a few other family-friendly surprises. Family pets are welcome (one visiting pet per family), provided they meet a few requirements, including being up to date on vaccinations. FREE

41. Art Beyond the Glass will host it’s annual event at Los Globos in Silver Lake featuring bartenders mixing cocktails and showcasing their art as well as music, photography and much more, all while raising funds for non-profit Women’s Center for Creative Work.

42. Visit the Skirball for Late Night with Leonard Bernstein an evening inspired by the inimitable artist’s habit of creating masterworks and entertaining friends into all hours of the night. Hosted by the composer’s daughter Jamie Bernstein the night will feature live performances, enchanting renditions of Bernstein’s compositions and much more.

43. Father John Misty and Gillian Welch will take the stage of the Hollywood Bowl when KCRW’s World Festival returns for a 20th year at the popular outdoor concert venue.

44. The 18th annual Summer Soulstice celebration returns to Santa Monica’s Main Street for a day of live music, local vendors and various interactive attractions. FREE

45. Head to DTLA for a tour of one of the most iconic spots in our city during the Clifton’s Living History Tour. This Sunday the tour will be joined by 100 Things to Do in L.A. Before You Die authors Danny Jensen and Carrie Kim with a book signing after the tour.

46. E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood continues their stylish cinema series Melrose Rooftop Theatre with a screening this week of Ladybird. 

47. Shakespeare’s most magical play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon for 12 performances throughout the summer, from June 3-September 3.

48. Concerts on the Green presents The Highwaymen a tribute to three musical luminaries: Willie Nelson, Jonny Cash and Waylon Jennings comes to the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Park on Sunday for their crowd-gathering renditions of On The Road Again, Get Rhythm, Always On My Mind, I Walk The Line and more. FREE

49. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden will host a family-friendly summer festival featuring live music, performances, a rice ball making demo, crafts and more.

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

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A Handy Guide For The Perfect Day In DTLA

Downtown L.A. is one of the most culturally vibrant, diverse and exciting neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles. As an explorer there’s a lot to see, do, and taste. In fact, there’s so much packed into such a small area you might wonder… where do we begin?

Well, with a little help from  OUE Skyspace LA, We Like LA created a handy guide that clues visitors in to some the best free things to do in the neighborhood, showcases DTLA’s unique history, and culminates in the most spectacular view of Los Angeles you could possibly imagine.

Sound like that might be something you’re into? Good. Now let’s get to it!

The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Marvel at The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore boasts one of the largest collections of and new and used books and records in all of California. It’s also one-of-a-kind space that hosts events, talks, and workshops on a regular basis. The main shopping floor is punctuated by massive columns that shoot up towards cloud-high ceilings. On the second level you’ll find more genres to browse, plus a whimsical book archway and corridor that’s more than a little Insta-worthy.

Stroll over to the Bradbury Building

Go a half block up from the Last Bookstore, take a right on Broadway, walk five minutes and you’ll find yourself at The Bradbury Building. With its iron railings, glass ceilings, and unmistakable birdcage elevators, The Bradbury is a living piece of art history that’s made cameos in numerous notable films including Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer. And the best part? The first two floors of The Bradbury are free to explore during normal building hours.

Grab lunch at Grand Central Market

Directly across the street from The Bradbury Building you’ll find Grand Central Market, a 30,000 square-foot arcade and marketplace that’s been in continuous operation for over a century. Hungry visitors will find dozens of vendors to choose from with options ranging from BBQ and gourmet coffee to oysters, ramen, seafood, and LOTS more. Take your time examining all the options and make it a meal worth remembering.

Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight Railway. Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Take a ride on Angels Flight

Just northwest of Grand Central Market is another historic marvel: Angels Flight Railway. Once billed as “the world’s shortest railcar” Angels Flight was original built in 1901 as a practical means to transport Bunker Hill residents to the rest of Downtown south of Hill Street. After periods of on-again, off-again service, Angels Flight is back up and running offering one-way fares for just one dollar. Take a ride and experience life as an early twentieth century commuter on your way to your next location.

Interior of The Broad. Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Spend an afternoon at The Broad

Downtown’s largest art Museum features over 2000 works its collection, including a pair of world famous Infinity installations designed by artist Yayoi Kusama. The Broad offers free general admission, and advance online tickets are distributed for reservation on the first of every month. Although reservations are recommended, same day tickets are available through an onsite standby line with first-come, first-served access.

Enjoy the views at OUE Skyspace

Now that you’ve had a chance to take in some of the sights up close, there’s no better place to marvel at the splendor of it all than at the stunning perch of OUE Skyspace. From nearly 1,000 feet above the city in the iconic US Bank Tower, OUE Skyspace LA is the premiere destination for panoramic, 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Enjoy the thrill of a ride on the world’s first ever Skyslide or grab a drink at the all new Skyspace bar. We honestly can’t think of a better way to cap the day than with a trip to Skyspace. The view is just the beginning!

And keep in mind there’s no better time to visit! Right now, Skyspace is giving away a family fun-day four pack for We Like LA readers. Enter to win by commenting on THIS @WeLikeLA Instagram post. This pass includes unlimited Skyslide rides for kids and access to all levels of the attraction. Also remember that Skyspace is offering a special promo code that gets you $5 off any ticket, so even if you don’t win the giveaway, you’ve still got a great chance to save!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkQvUcQhwBq/?utm_source=ig_embed

Wherever your adventure takes you, we hope this guide has been a useful tool in helping you plan your own perfect day in DTLA. Mostly we just want you to open your eyes and take a look.

We have a feeling you’re going to like what you see.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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Places In LA To Watch The World Cup

The World Cup is underway! 

Looking for a spot to watch it with your fellow fans? From bars to bowling alleys, we’ve got your guide to where to catch the games around the city. And here is the full schedule if you need it.

THE FOX AND HOUNDS

This is the bar for die-hard fans. The Fox and Hounds promises to show every World Cup match. They will open 15 minutes before the start time of the earliest matches. They boast 10 TVs throughout the bar and two projector screens. You’ll have to plan ahead for the more popular matches, though, since the bar requires tickets for the England vs. Panama game on June 24 and the England vs. Belgium game on June 28.

The Fox and Hounds is located at 11100 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604.

JOXER DALY’S

Joxer Daly’s is the place to go for a traditional pub vibe. They’ve got lots of TVs, a dart board, a pool table, and a full bar. They’ll be opening at 5 a.m. just for the World Cup and will serve a full Irish breakfast. They recommend that fans call to check that they’re open for their games at (310) 838-3745.

Joxer Daly’s is located at 11168 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230.

 

YE OLDE KING’S HEAD

They call themselves an “Ambassador for all things British,” and claim to be one of the most recognizable British pubs in the world. Crowds might be a bit bigger on days when England is playing, but Ye Olde King’s Head will broadcast all of the World Cup games. For fans looking for a bit more from their viewing experience, the pub is also walking distance from the beach and Santa Monica Pier.

Ye Olde King’s Head is located at 116 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90401.

 

GUELAGUETZA

This Koreatown bar will open as early as 5 a.m. on game days. Guelaguetza offers breakfast and big screens for early-bird soccer fans. It’s earned approval from L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold and offers authentic Oaxacan food. Call the bar at (213) 427-0608 or visit their website to find out what games they’re screening.

Guelaguetza is located at 3014 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006

BIG WANGS

Big Wangs claims to have more HDTVs than anyone else in the city. They will screen every soccer game and open their doors at 5 a.m. for the earliest games. They’re even offering a World Cup breakfast burrito for early-risers.

Big Wangs has two locations at 5300 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 and at 801 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

SHARK’S COVE

Shark’s Cove will open at 5 a.m. for select games, but otherwise they’ll keep their regular hours, which means opening at 11 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. weekends. They boast 50 flat screens inside and outside on their patio and a breakfast menu added for the soccer season. The bar recommends to call ahead to check which early morning games they’ll be screening at (310) 545-2683.

Shark’s Cove is located at 309 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

LA PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES

LA Plaza offers plenty of activities during some of the most popular games of the season! McDonalds will host viewing parties at the plaza for the Mexico vs. Korea game and the Germany vs. Sweden game both on Saturday, and for the final match on July 15th. Entry is free, but requires registration. They promise interactive activities, live entertainment, and a free McDonald’s breakfast.

La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is located at 501 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

HIGHLAND PARK BOWL

L.A.’s oldest bowling alley might not be the first place soccer fans would think to go to watch the World Cup match, but it boasts a unique experience. It will show every game from the quarterfinals until the finals on the alley’s 15-foot projector, so viewers can watch while they bowl.

Highland Park Bowl is located at 5621 N Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjV9MchBPTZ/?utm_source=ig_embed

Story courtesy of LAist. 

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Annenberg PetSpace Hosting FREE ‘AnniFURsary’ Celebration This Sunday

In 2017 Wallis Annenberg PetSpace opened its doors with a mission to strengthen the human-animal bond, educate the community, and find loving homes for pets in need. One year later… it’s time to PAW-TY!

This Sunday, June 24, Annenberg PetSpace is hosting a special AnniFURsary celebration fit for the whole family. Festivities for the day include meet-and-greets with adoptable pets, behind-the-scenes tours of PetSpace, FREE food trucks, and a few other family-friendly surprises. And the best part? Sunday’s event is free and open to the public! There’s no better day to come and find a new addition to the family.

For dog owners wishing to attend with their canine companions, keep in mind that pets are welcome (one visiting pet per family), provided they meet a few requirements, including being up to date on vaccinations.

To register for free tickets, and to learn about rules regarding bringing your own four-legged friend to the event, please visit the official event page on Eventbrite.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is located at 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Playa Vista, CA. The AnniFURsary celebration takes place on Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See you there!

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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25 Gardens Hidden Around Los Angeles

Los Angeles has the ocean and the mountains and the desert all within a couple hours’ drive, but there are a good amount of parks large and small that dot the city that make it easy to get a dose of nature whether you’re in Downtown or in the Valley.

Many of these places, especially the larger parks, are better known to locals than people on the other side of town (though few things are really a true secret in the age of Instagram).

We’ve listed 25 of our favorite under-the-radar gardens, parks, and quiet green spaces across town, including quiet rooftops, folk art gardens, and even a serene spot at Union Station. They’re all open to the public in one form or another, though hours, access, and cost vary.

1. Union Station

800 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Union Station is known for the gardens and courtyards close to its main, Art Deco building, but this little gem sits on the far east side of the property, behind the Metro building. This sunken hideaway has gardens, benches, fountains, and waterfalls.

https://www.instagram.com/p/6BpEj5ySSe/?utm_source=ig_embed

OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS

2. Biddy Mason Park

331 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Biddy Mason Park is a quiet little courtyard Downtown named for a former slave who became a prominent figure and one of the first black landowners in 19th century Los Angeles. The park is lined with a black concrete art wall designed by Sheila Levrant de Bretteville.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQdtaeBAxCr/?utm_source=ig_embed

3. The Medallion

334 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Visit Website

M2A Architects designed the mind-bending park in front of the Medallion rental building in the Old Bank District.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfJaBl4FFC8/?utm_source=ig_embed

4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown

120 S Los Angeles St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visit Website

It may be one of the worst kept secrets in LA, but the Japanese garden at the DoubleTree (formerly the Kyoto Grand) is still pretty lovely. Just take the elevator to the third floor for a half acre of waterfalls, bamboo, and stone paths.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjdYS6uBVJr/?utm_source=ig_embed

5. Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7211

Visit Website

It’s true, there’s nearly an acre of public park and garden up on the third level of Disney Hall—take the stairs up from the street near First and Grand. The Blue Ribbon Garden is also where the Patina restaurant below grows a lot of its ingredients.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj23hhiAY6L/?utm_source=ig_embed

6. Amir’s Garden

Griffith Park Drive & Mineral Wells Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Visit Website

After a fire in the seventies, Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh took it upon himself to replant a hillside in Griffith Park—today it’s nearly 5 acres of “pine and jacaranda trees along with rose bushes, geraniums, oleander, and yucca.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd8p_yQBKNz/?utm_source=ig_embed

7. Virginia Robinson Gardens

1008 Elden Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 276-5367

Visit Website

Built as a home for Virginia and Harry Robinson of the Robinsons department store chain, this 1911 estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are open to the public by appointment (and for a fee).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhm_AnyjIdU/?utm_source=ig_embed

8. Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

244 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visit Website

The James Irvine Japanese Garden has a 170-foot-long stream flowing through it, cedar bridges, and stone lanterns. It’s closed Mondays. Admission is free.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiiHrf1h7vD/?utm_source=ig_embed

9. The Japanese Garden at Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area

6100 Woodley Avenue
San Fernando Valley, CA 91406
Visit Website

The Japanese Garden is six and a half acres “fashioned after ‘stroll gardens’ constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese Feudal lords,” its website notes.

Adjacent to the futuristic-looking Donald J. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, the garden was intended to show that reclaimed water could be used for lots of things, even a delicate-looking Japanese garden.

https://www.instagram.com/p/-fwgC3NnVA/?utm_source=ig_embed

10. Los Angeles River Center and Gardens

570 West Avenue 26
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Visit Website

This spot in Cypress Park originally opened in the 1950s as Lawry’s California Center, a showcase for Lawry’s seasoning and condiments. It’s filled with pepper trees, roses, and Mission architecture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiqD0wKnm-Y/?utm_source=ig_embed

11. Los Angeles Police Academy garden

1880 Academy Road
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visit Website

One of the more unexpected sites in LA is the charming, rocky garden at the LAPD’s police academy, tucked in Elysian Park by Dodger Stadium.

https://www.instagram.com/p/1jGhDhlRkr/?utm_source=ig_embed

12. Garden of Oz

3106 Ledgewood Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068

This mosaic-adorned folk art garden was originally created by Gail Cottman and is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It’s often gated, but we’ve heard a rumor (probably untrue!) that the local kids have keys.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR5gpsRgtuH/?utm_source=ig_embed

13. Wattles Park

1850 North Curson Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Visit Website

This Runyon Canyon-adjacent site is perhaps most popularly known as the site of the Freddy in Troop Beverly Hills. The house was designed in the early 1900s by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, and is surrounded by several gardens (including a community garden) in various states of upkeep.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi2mD0tBFfz/?utm_source=ig_embed

14. Debs Park

4235 Monterey Road
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Visit Website

Tucked in Montecito Heights, Debs Park has a lake, tons of trails, and lots of spots to picnic (plus barbecues). It also has an Audubon Center so you can learn about all the birds that hang around the area.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh4P2Pcloj3/?utm_source=ig_embed

15. Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens

3500 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Visit Website

Busby Berkeley’s old mansion in West Adams is now home to the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. There, they’ve created meditation gardens and a labyrinth (“Walking a labyrinth in modern times is a great way to bring peace and relaxation to our minds”). You can take a guided tour on select days of the week (sign-up is required but there is no fee— they will take donations though).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bikdq4cH8g6/?utm_source=ig_embed

16. Cascades Park

700 South Atlantic Boulevard
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Visit Website

Super-simple and relaxing, Cascades Park is basically just grass and a long waterfall.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bji_w-pnTxp/?utm_source=ig_embed

17. Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters

3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Visit Website

While the Self-Realization Fellowship’s Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades is better known, locals swear by the peaceful gardens at their Mt. Washington headquarters, which was built in the late 1800s as the Mt. Washington Inn. There is no cost to visti the grounds.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYM8LRliRo/?utm_source=ig_embed

18. Arlington Garden

275 Arlington Drive
Pasadena, CA 91105
Visit Website

Caltrans owns this property—it was originally planning to do construction staging here for 710 Freeway work—but it’s been turned into Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden. It has an app too for identifying all its plants.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjz9vU9AX8_/?utm_source=ig_embed

19. Runyon Canyon rock mandala

Visit Website

Artist Robert Wilson created this mandala off the hiking path at Runyon in 2008. According to the directions on the mandala’s Facebook page, hikers can find it “at the end of N. Fuller Ave, North of Franklin Ave and Hillside Ave, go up into the park and don’t take the hairpin turn, go up the path less traveled.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI5MPKjAca1/?utm_source=ig_embed

20. Museum of Jurassic Technology’s rooftop garden

9341 Venice Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

MJT creator Robert Wilson used part of his MacArthur genius grant to build this lovely rooftop garden and aviary. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the dark, detail-packed museum. (Museum admission fees are listed here).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhC-WTyh01n/?utm_source=ig_embed

21. Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Across From Botany Building
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-1260

Visit Website

This seven-acre botanical garden at UCLA is used as a teaching and research lab and as “a long-term repository for unusual plants, a refugium for biodiversity.” The school offers guided tours once a month, or you can go on your own. The garden is open seven days a week, and there is no admission charge.

22. La Casita Del Arroyo

177 S Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
Visit Website

La Casita del Arroyo was built during the Great Depression using lumber from the 1932 Olympics bicycle track and boulders from the Arroyo Seco, with design by famed architect Myron Hunt. Today, it’s got a water demonstration garden and butterfly sanctuary.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj-P8mBh21R/?utm_source=ig_embed

23. Old Trapper’s Lodge

6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Visit Website

Tucked by the stables at Pierce College is the Old Trapper’s Lodge. It was built by a man named John Ehn in the 1940s as part of his western-themed motel (called the Old Trapper’s Lodge). Today it’s a landmarked collection of weird Old West art surrounded by trees and trails.

https://www.instagram.com/p/4h_m_Pn44P/?utm_source=ig_embed

24. Orcutt Ranch

23600 Roscoe Blvd
Canoga Park, CA 91304
(818) 346-7449

Visit Website

The Orcutt Ranch in West Hills was built in the 1920s by William Warren Orcutt, the geologist who first discovered fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits. It has oak and citrus trees, gardens, ranch structures, and an adobe residence on site.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeeiB8sDSAD/?utm_source=ig_embed

25. Earl B. Miller Japanese Garden

Cal State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90815
Visit Website

This little, 1.3-acre garden on the CSU Long Beach campus was designed by Edward R. Lovell and opened in 1981 as “a hybrid art form that combines typical elements of Japanese garden design within the context of its Southern California location.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkEE81HFAHY/?utm_source=ig_embed

Story courtesy of Curbed. 

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Economic update for the week ending June 16, 2018

Stock markets end the week mixed – The Dow dropped about 1% this week, as the S&P held steady, and the NASDAQ rose.  The Trump administration announced $50 billion in tariffs against China yesterday, which caused markets to drop both here and overseas. The Federal Reserve increased their benchmark interest rate by 1/4% this week. That was the second increase this year and the seventh since they began increasing rates at the end of 2015. The federal funds rate now stands at 1.75% – 2%, which is still near a historical low. It was lowered to 0 – .25% during the great recess, which had never happened before to encourage borrowing and stimulate growth. The Fed announced that the economic outlook was strong, citing unemployment near historic lows and inflation picking up in 2018, yet still near their target levels. They estimated that there would be one or two more increases in 2018, and three in 2019. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,090.48, down from 25,316.53 last week. It is up 1.5% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,779.66,  unchanged from 2,779. 03. It’s up 4% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,746.38, up from 7,645.51 last week. It’s up 12.2% year-to-date.
Treasury Bond Yields unchanged this week  – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.93%, unchanged from 2.93% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.05%, down slightly from 3.08% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates.
Mortgage Rates higher this week –  The June 14,  2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.62%, up from 4.54% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.07%, up from 4.01% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.83%, up from 3.74% last week.
May housing figures should be out next week. We expect to see California housing prices increase year-over-year about 8% with LA County prices increasing around 10%.  The exact numbers will be in next week’s update.
Have a great weekend!
Syd
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Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Celebrating 25th Anniversary This Sunday

Have any plans for this Father’s Day weekend? How about taking dad to see some classic cars?

The Rodeo Drive Committee, in conjunction with the city of Beverly Hills, will be having their annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance this Sunday.

The event has been a Father’s Day tradition for 25 years. The  Rodeo Drive car show is free and open to the public. Attendees get the opportunity to see classic automobiles and luxurious new models to Beverly Hills. Some automobiles displayed include the 2015 Ford Mustang, a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom and a McLaren 12C.

The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance has been named one of the “300 Unmissable Events & Festivals Around the World” by top travel publisher Frommer’s.

You don’t want to miss it! 

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