Category: activities

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Weekend Events: April 26-28

Now that Angeleno’s are returning to their normal schedules post Coachella, the spring weekend fun is just ramping up! With so many activities to chose from throughout LA, why limit your days off to just one outing. Check out our weekend round-up and discover the best of Los Angeles all weekend long!

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday April 26, 2019
Photoville LA

Location: Outside of the Annenberg Space for Photography

This New York export heads to Los Angeles for the first time and features exhibitions in repurposed shipping containers, photo cubes and light-boxes. Over two consecutive weekends in Century Park (that’s right next to the Annenberg Space for Photography), expect a mix of nighttime projections, talks, workshops, family-friendly activities, Smorgasburg vendors and a community beer garden.

Click here for more info.

MLB Food Fest

Location: Magic Box, DTLA

MLB FoodFest comes to Los Angeles for the first time on April 26 – 28. Angelenos can dine on an array of food from the MLB world including Mariners Toasted Grasshoppers, the D-Backs Churro Dogs, Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas from London, the Japanese Curry from Tokyo, and many more.

Click here for more info.

Cirque Du Soleil Amaluna

Location: The LA Waterfront

The famous Montreal based theatrical company will be performing Amaluna kicking off this week through May 26. The story is loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro. The island you’ll visit is ruled by goddesses, and the athletic acts and circus-cool expertise will include teeterboards, aerial acrobatics and more.

Click here for more info. 

Saturday April 27, 2019
L.A. River Clean Up

Location: Compton Creek @ Del Amo Station

Feeling guilty for not doing anything for Earth Day? Well it’s not too late to take part in the Friend’s of the Los Angeles River’s annual cleanup. Every Saturday of the month of April, volunteers have been organizing cleanups with multiple meet-up locations at each and instead of focusing on one spot, the cleanup tackles a different branch.  This Saturday is the last chance to take part in your civic duty but to make it more enjoyable there will be live music performances, gift giveaways, family activities and refreshments.

Click here for more info.

Our L.A. Voices Festival

Location: Grand Park

Grand Park’s “Our L.A. Voices” takes over for a weekend-long spring arts gathering on April 27 – 28 that showcases diverse and important artistic work from Los Angeles county. This free festival features both visual arts exhibits, as well as dance, musical, and theatrical performances. This year’s theme is “Origin Stories”, and explores and questions Los Angeles perspectives and culture.

Click here for more info.

Wanderlust 108

Location: Santa Monica Pier

Wanderlust 108—the world’s only mindful triathlon—brings the community together for a 5K run/walk, DJ-powered yoga session, and guided meditation in your local park.  Wanderlust has joined (RED) in the fight to end AIDS. For every Wanderlust 108 ticket purchased, Wanderlust will donate $1.08 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS with (RED).

Click here for more info.

Sunday April 28, 2019
Taste of the Eastside

Location: Los Angeles River Center and Gardens

This food enthusiast event returns to Los Angeles River Center and Gardens this weekend. Stop by for a day of celebrating food and drink from Eastside neighborhoods including Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village and beyond.

Click here for more info.

14th Annual Thai New Year Songkran Festival

Location: 5448 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

The Thai New Year Festival returns to Hollywood’s Thai Town neighborhood on April 28 for one of the largest, free festivals in the area. This vibrant festival features a Sidewalk Cafe with many Thai food choices for purchase and the Singha Beer Garden with live jazz music. Additionally, there will be a variety of entertainment choices, including a Beauty Pageant, Folk Dancing, a Tribal Costume Show, Muay Thai Face-off, Thai Cooking Demonstration, Fruit Carving Demonstration, Ice Sculpture Demonstration , Lei Making Demonstration and a Thai Wedding Ceremony.

Click here for more info.

Skirball Puppet Festival: Fantastic Creatures

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Enjoy a celebration for the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling at the museum’s eighth annual Puppet Festival. This massive affair features both new and old tales, presented by a variety of puppets, in addition to live music and art making. 2019’s program showcases animals (both real and imaginary), including performances and creations by North Carolina–based puppeteer and designer Hobey Ford, as well as local artists Yulya Dukhovny, the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry, and the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Attendees can also design a puppet and join the storytellers and puppeteers for the festival finale with funk band Delta Nove.

Continue reading “Weekend Events: April 26-28”

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Weekend Events: April 19-21

The holidays this weekend are underway, meaning the options of fun things to do in LA are endless. And with another Coachella ramping up, a traffic free weekend also approaches. From the Egg Bowl to Pawsapalooza we have you covered on the best places to spend you free time this Friday-Sunday. Read on and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, April 19

For a Limited Time Only

Location: The Nomad, DTLA

The NoMad Los Angeles recently launched a new food series titled  A Limited Time Only. The foodie-centric event transforms the hotel’s coffee shop into a variety of themed pop-ups every Friday and Saturday evening. The first iteration, Mamma Guidara’s, takes inspiration from NoMad New York’s dinner series of the same name, which itself is inspired by old-school Italian-American red sauce restaurants.

Click here for more info.

Lebowski Fest

Location: The Wiltern

Lebowski Fest returns to Los Angeles with a live concert by the dude himself, Jeff Bridges at The Wiltern. A screening of the The Big Lebowski plus special guests will also be part of the night. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase.

Click here for more info.

Knotts Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival

Location: Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park

The festival will expand to run everyday for a full month from March 29 to April 28, every day. The festival is going to have over 75 boysenberry inspired dishes with a mix of savory dishes that weave in some boysenberry flavors and special desserts and drinks. There will be lots of live entertainment, boysenberry products from local crafters, and various boysenberry foods to take home. All the details about this year’s food and entertainment can be found at the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival website.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 20

PAWSAPALOOZA Festival & Marketplace

Location: West Hollywood, CA

This family-friendly event is FREE ADMISSION and will open from 10:00am to 3:00pm. It will include a myriad of exhibitors featuring dog-friendly products and services, and activities for kids including carnival games, face painting, balloon art and more. A selection of food trucks will serve up a delectable variety of food choices and drinks. Other fun activities include a Canine Easter Costume Contest and Raffle.  But please remember to always pick up after your pets.

Click here for more info.

32nd Annual Chinese Dance Festival

Location: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

The American Chinese Dance Association presents their 32nd Annual Chinese Dance Festival, Saturday evening, April 20th at 7:00pm. For over 30 years, the American Chinese Dance Association has beautifully brought to life the regions of China through their dazzling costumes and captivating music. The minimum age requirement for attending the performance is 5 years old.

Click here for more info.

Egg Bowl

Location: Rose Bowl

Celebrate spring by hopping your way through Pasadena’s 5th Annual Egg Bowl and Festival. Admission to the Egg Bowl and egg hunts is FREE. Come have an EGG-CELLENT time at the spring festival and enjoy fun for the whole family with fun games and activities. The Egg hunts and festival are scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 21

Eggstravagent Easter Celebration

Location: The Queen Mary Long Beach

The Queen Mary Eggstravagant Easter Celebration returns on April 21 for a special afternoon that includes a Royal Easter Sunday Brunch, three egg hunts, a Bunny Bounce House, and much more. This is a family-friendly day with Easter Petting Zoo (with bunnies, ducks, guinea pigs, sheep and a mini pig!) as well as Easter Bunny Face Painting for kids. The champagne brunch takes place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m and tickets are $69 and $79 with sparkling wine for adults and $24 for children.

Click here for more info.

Easter Fest 2019

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Head to DTLA for the  11th Annual EasterFest 2019 at Grand Hope Park.
They will have Easter Egg Hunts (several based on age groups and with 20,000 eggs ready to be found), multiple Bounce Houses, Face-painting, Arts and Crafts, Games, Food and drinks, Popcorn, Music and more. A portion of the proceeds goes to help ministries in Skid Row helping homeless families and children.

Click here for more info.

LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

Location: Staple Center

Head to the Staples center for Round 1 of the Playoffs where the Clippers will take on the Golden State Warriors. This will be the Clippers forth Home Game as they attempt to dethrone the returning champions.

Click here for more info.

 

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LA Eats: Plant Based Treats in LA

As Angeleno’s it’s safe to say we are health fanatics (for the most part). From the Celery Juice cleanse to a new vegan spot popping up every month, options are endless. Instead of sifting through your plant-based options, we’ve narrowed down the top choices throughout LA. Whether you reside in the 90210 or 91604, we’ve got you covered. Celebrate this earth day with 100% plant-based bites courtesy of Mother Earth (*suitable for herbivores and carnivores alike).

 Sun Cafe

Location: 10820 Ventura Blvd., Studio City

Not only is the menu 100-percent plant-based and dairy-free, but nearly everything is made from scratch including the cheeses, chorizo, mayonnaise, and butter. Everyone raves about the nachos.

Orean’s The Health Express

Location: 817 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena

Located on Pasadena’s fast-food restaurant row, Orean’s The Health Express has been around since the late ‘80s. The 100-percent vegan menu boasts a shockingly good Philly cheese “steak” sandwich and chili cheeseburger. Wash it all down with a strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, cappuccino, chai, or peanut butter milkshake.

Au Lac

Location: 710 W. 1st St., Los Angeles

Head here for Vietnamese vegetarian fare by chef Mai Nguyen. Regulars sing high praises for the restaurant’s salt and pepper yam “shrimp” and garlic basil noodles. As a bonus, the restaurant is a short walk from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and perfect for a pre-show meal.

Doomie’s Home Cookin’

Location: 1253 Vine St. #9, Los Angeles

Vegan food doesn’t always have to be healthy. Consider Doomie’s menu of nachos, animal-style fries, bacon cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, and the Big D, the restaurant’s version of a Big Mac. Open since 2010, Doomie’s is a charming place to bring carnivores and herbivores alike.

Crossroads

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

At Crossroads on Melrose, chef Tal Ronnen is elevating vegan fare to an art form. The team has been turning out some of the most inventive and thoughtful meat-free food in Los Angeles since opening in 2013. Crossroads it not only a haven for vegetarian fine-diners, but for anyone curious about how delicious vegan food can be. Get the Artichoke Oysters and thank us later!

Gratitude

Location: 419 N. Canon Drive., Beverly Hills

The newest addition to the Café Gratitude family of restaurants is the upscale offshoot Gratitude Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant boats a breezy indoor/outdoor space and a crowd-pleasing menu. The best seat in the house is at the bar, where beverage director Jason Eisner makes cocktails using ingredients like turmeric and ginger.

Equelecua Cuban Cafe

Location: 1120 W. Florence Ave., Inglewood

Owner Caro Lafaurie and head chef Julito Ortega launched Equelecuá Cuban Cafe with the idea of bringing a plant-based approach to traditional Cuban food. For anyone that’s eaten Cuban food, this might seem impossible, but try the ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, or Cubano sandwich for a pleasant surprise.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro

Location: 4130 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City

This size-able eatery in Culver City has a wide menu of vegan comfort fare, from bowls and wraps to salads and burgers. The chainlet boasts Echo Park and Pasadena outlets for anyone on the Eastside who needs their vegan fix.

Plant Food and Wine

Location: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Los Angeles

Matthew Kenney’s vegan restaurant is a stunner with one hell of a back patio. Good looking diners flock to the Abbot Kinney address regularly whether they’re refraining from meat or not.

Seabirds Kitchen

Location: 975 E. 4th Str., Long Beach

Seabirds Kitchen in Long Beach — or the original Costa Mesa outpost — produces fresh and hearty dishes like purple potato taquitos, grilled mushroom tacos, and a Korean-inspired jackfruit bibimbap bowl. It’s all served in Seabirds’ beachy dining room, which is less than a mile away from the ocean.

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Home Tips of the Week: The Mulch Must-Knows

The best mulch can make all the difference in your yard. With so many types of mulch available, it can be difficult to choose one. From shredded bark to compost, we cover the mulch basics to help you select which one will work best in your landscape.

While mulching may seem like a basic part of gardening, there is so much to learn about the different types of garden mulch and what benefits each type provides. We’ll show you how to compare and contrast the different types of mulch and what situations to use them in.

Mulch Benefits

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch in your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water your garden as often. In the hot sun, soil also tends to dry out faster and harden. Mulch will help with this by protecting the soil from direct sunlight.

Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding mulch to your planting bed will block light from openings in the soil, therefore inhibiting weed germination. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you’ll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day!

Types of Garden Mulch
Shredded Bark

Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It comes from a variety of sources, including cedar trees. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they’re considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information.

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Earth Day in LA

California leads the way in clean initiatives, so of course when it comes to Earth Day, we know a thing or two. With so many ways to give back to the planet this month, there no excuse not to help mother nature. Whether you’re planting a tree or keeping it solar, the round up of earth day events below gets the green thumb of approval.

Discover your Eco-Friendly Angeleno!

Earth Day by One Tree Planted

Location: Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park

When: Sat. April 20, 9:00am-12:00pm

Get your hands dirty and do something good for nature this Earth Day! Join One Tree Planted, Friends of the LA River and North East Trees on this beautiful weekend day to help clean up the Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park! Friends of the LA River will be doing a giveaway of items items including tote bags, t-shirts and stickers for those who come help us restore this wonderful park!

Click here for more info.

The Great East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-Up

Location: Los Angeles

When: Sat. April 21, 9:00am-12:00pm

The GREAT East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-Up Help take care of the planet right here at home.   Breakfast • Free T-Shirts • Refreshments All are welcome to help! Don’t just post about Earth Day.  Presented by the Volunteer Ministers of Southern California. Following the GREAT East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-up will be an exciting and free Easter Festival & Egg Hunt! Stick around for an Easter celebration that the whole family will enjoy!

Click here for more info.

Our Voice, Our County: Earth Day Fair + Expo

Location: Armory Center for the Arts

When: Sat. April 20, 9:00am-12:00pm

Learn about local efforts to be more water wise, reduce waste, support clean energy, travel green & more! Engage with community groups, organizations and eco-friendly businesses. Enjoy art, music, food trucks, and take action! Family & kid-friendly.

Click here for more info.

Kids & Kites-Earth Day Celebration

Location: Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park

When: Sat. April 20, 11:00am-3:00pm

Spend the day flying kites with your family and friends at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. Stop by and enjoy a mobile aquarium, arts, crafts, games, vendors and food trucks. Along with all of those fun activities will also be a sidewalk chalk art contest and tons of other fun giveaways. Don’t let this day of fun fly away!!

Click here for more info.

Earth Day by City Plants

Location: Sun Valley Rec Center

When: Sat. April 27, 8:30am-1:30pm

Come on down to Sun Valley Recreation Center and join Council member Nury Martinez, Cal Fire, the Department of Recreation and Parks, City Plants, and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps for a fun and family-friendly day of climate and community action! Come for the tree planting, stay for the environmental education resource fair and free yard tree give-away.

Click here for more info.

LASAN’s Earth Day

Location: Woodley Park

When: Sat. April 27, 10:00am-3:00pm

Join LASAN for a day of earth-friendly fun as they celebrate their 4th Annual Citywide EARTH DAY LA! LA Sanitation & Environment will again bring their trucks for kids to explore, and they’ll have over 50 educational (and fun!) exhibits for the whole family to learn about sustainability. Food and beverage are free all day in their Food Tent, while supplies last. The Kids Zone has games, activities, and prizes for children as well as an Envirorazzi Photo Op!

Click here for more info.

Monterey Park Earth Day Festival

Location: Barnes Park Amphitheater

When: Sat. April 27, 11:00am-1:00pm

The Earth Day Festival features various environmental exhibits, displays, speakers, and presentations alongside the Eco-Summit festivities which bring fun and entertaining environmentally-educative activities for parents & children and the public. The Earth Day Festival raises awareness on the many fronts of environmental issues related to the San Gabriel Valley and most particularly to the Monterey Park community. The theme for Monterey Park Earth Day Festival 2019 is focused on Energy Efficiency.

Click here for more info.

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Out and About: Botanic Gardens to Visit this Earth Day!

Monday is Earth Day and what better way to celebrate our planet than with a stroll through LA’s nature scene? With a bounty of botanical gardens to visit, spend some time exploring our city’s best gardens. Not just on Earth Day but every day, any day of the year!

Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Location: San Marino

You’ll find cultural glories inside the library’s impressive book collection—the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington—but the Huntington’s true highlights are outdoors in its vast jigsaw of botanical gardens, arguably the most glorious in the entire Los Angeles region. The acres and acres of public gardens are divided into a variety of themes, including a prickly desert garden, a serene Japanese garden and bamboo forest, as well as an ever-expanding assembly of Chinese pagodas, pavilions and bridges.

Descanso Gardens

Location: La Cañada Flintridge
This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (these are best seen between the middle of February and early May, when there are around 34,000 of the plants in bloom) and some five acres of roses. There are also lilac, orchid, fern and California native plant areas, as well as a tea house—flanked by seasonal cherry blossoms—donated by the Japanese-American community.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Location: Arcadia
These gorgeous grounds in Arcadia have been designed as an educational facility (the plants are mostly arranged by region, and tours are available), but many people simply come here for a little peace and quiet. You could wander these gardens for hours, taking in tropical forests and waterfalls, trees and fish. Plus, be on the lookout for wild peacocks.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Location: Griffith Park
The L.A. Zoo’s greatest asset is its location in the isolated hills of Griffith Park. It’s a pretty popular place, but the zoo’s size—80 acres, plus a huge parking lot—means that, like the park itself, it rarely feels busy. There’s not a separate botanical garden here, but you will find over 800 different plant species, from native succulents to prehistoric cycads, labeled and catalogued throughout the zoo’s continentally-themed habitats.

South Coast Botanic Garden

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
This South Bay botanical garden covers 87 acres on the northeast side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You’ll find a mix of Southern California flora, from fuchsia to the tangled roots of Moreton Bay Fig trees, alongside more specialized areas like small Japanese and desert gardens. It may not be as grandiose as some other gardens, but it’s well worth the reasonable price of admission.

James Irvine Japanese Garden

Location: Downtown
This small, tranquil garden is one of Little Tokyo’s best-kept secrets as the urban oasis isn’t accessible from the street. According to the adjoining community center, gardens carry great importance in Japanese culture. Caring for the grounds is a form of art and spending time among the flora encourages harmony with nature. So walk the outer path for a complete view of the garden’s foliage, babbling stream and cascading waterfall.

The Japanese Garden

Location: Van Nuys
This appropriately titled Japanese garden sits just across from the Sepulveda Basin on the border of Van Nuys. The stony bridges and footpaths wind along a central pond, flanked by by rock work, manicured trees and tea houses. Of course, this wouldn’t be the Valley without a bit of an industrial edge—the garden is irrigated by the adjacent Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.
Courtesy of : TimeOut LA
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LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition

No matter which day you celebrate, LA has a bounty of dining options to chose from. From luxurious brunches to decadent dinners, we’ve rounded up the city’s best. With only a week away to book, time is of the essence. Spring is in the air and you cookware can stay in the cupboard next weekend. Read below for our LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition.

Passover Seder in LA 2019

Akasha

In the historic Hull Building in downtown Culver City, Akasha will offer Passover Seder on Saturday, April 20. Author and spiritual leader Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T’Shuvah will preside. A reception (6:15 p.m.) precedes Seder and dinner (7 p.m.), which will include dishes such as Akasha’s matzoh ball soup, red wine-braised brisket, and dessert presented family-style. Cost is $110 for adults (includes wine or juice, coffee or tea) and $55 for children under 10 (includes juice).

AR Cucina

Celebrate Passover at AR Cucina in Culver City. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, the restaurant will complement its regular dinner menu with holiday specials such as matzoh lasagna with spinach and ricotta; grilled lamb chops paired with vegetables and Sardinian olive oil smashed potatoes; and Passover.

Jar

Chef-owner Suzanne Tracht’s California chophouse offers Passover Seder on Friday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. Officiating the Seder service will be Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, with the four-course dinner to follow. Guests will encounter tray-passed items, then choices such as butter lettuce salad with asparagus, radish and egg; and sautéed Alaskan halibut. The meal ends with lemon cheesecake, chocolate covered matzah and ice cream sandwiches. Cost is $120 for the menu, coffee, tea and Passover wines; $55 for children 12 and under.

Kali

Larchmont’s Kali will offer Passover dinner on April 19-20. The family-style meal starts with matzoh ball soup and moves on to ancient grains and shaved radish, shawarma spiced lamb shanks, chocolate macaroon cake and more. Cost is $70; à la carte is available, too.

Spago

Saturday, April 20, will bring Spago Beverly Hills’ annual Seder dinner (5:30 p.m.; $195 per adult, $80 per child under age nine). The evening will go on for about three hours with a plated dinner in communal tables.The event will feature the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir.

Click here to book online or call in to make a reservation.

To view the full menu click here.

Easter Brunch and Dinner in LA 2019

Brunch at The Biltmore

Celebrate Easter Sunday amid the historic glamour of the Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore, which is serving a special Easter Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet highlights include Eggs & Pancakes live station, Breakfast Favorites, Small Plates, Chilled Antipasti, Seafood Selections, Carving Stations, Dessert Display, and Kids Easter Buffet. There’s also an Egg & Cookie Decoration Station with attendant. Pricing is $69 per person and half-price for kids ages 5-11. Free for children 4 and under. Reservations are highly recommended.

Sunday Supper at Lucques

The flagship restaurant opened in 1998 by Suzanne Goin (named Outstanding Chef at the 2016 James Beard Awards) and James Beard nominee Caroline Styne offers a warm and inviting setting for a special Easter Sunday Supper. Featuring an ever-changing menu that showcases the best seasonal ingredients, the legendary Sunday Suppers are the inspiration for Goin’s cookbook of the same name. The weekly Sunday Suppers are served from 5-9:30 p.m. and priced at $52 per guest.

Jean-Georges Beverly Hills 

New York mega-star Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his globally informed French cuisine to his eponymous restaurant at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills hotel. Available starting at noon, the Easter Brunch Menu starts with grilled baby artichoke, Thai spiced broccoli soup, ahi tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. Entrees include ora king salmon, seared black cod, parmesan crusted organic chicken, roasted wagyu beef tenderloin, and Veal Milanese. Brunch also features family style sides and a decadent dessert buffet. Pricing is $155 per guest and $75 for children.

Spago Sunday Brunch

One of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants, Spago Beverly Hills is the flagship restaurant of legendary chef Wolfgang Puck’s culinary empire. On Easter Sunday, Spago is hosting the inaugural Easter Brunch with a three-course, prix fixe menu from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Easter Dinner will likewise be served in a three-course, prix fixe format from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Brunch and Dinner will both welcome the Easter Bunny for a special visit! Pricing for Brunch or Dinner is $145 per person and $65 for children age 12 and under.

Catch

Enjoy a coastal Easter Brunch or Dinner from Catch at the Hotel Casa del Mar, which serves fresh local fare from land and sea along with panoramic ocean views. Catch is featuring a three-course, prix fixe Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m and Dinner 5-10 p.m. Pricing is $110 per person for brunch or dinner. A Kids Brunch Menu is also available 11 a.m. – 4 p.m for $45.

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Out and About: LA’s Best Scenic Drives

 In this traffic consumed metropolis, one redeeming factor about having a car is the plethora of beautiful scenic drives, you can take in almost any direction to escape the frustrations of Los Angeles. There’s much to enjoy from the majestic coastlines to the awe-inspiring mountain ranges. So take some time this Earth day to appreciate the many scenic routes that meander through this wonderful state of ours. Below are some suggested ways you can take.

Palos Verdes Drive

A unique coastal experience, along the Palos Verdes Peninsula with beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches and tide-pools. The route is short but also easier to enjoy because it’s at a slower pace than the other scenic drives. Some suggested picturesque stops are Pointe Vicente Lighthouse, Wayfarer’s Chapel, the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Korean Bell of Friendship at Angel’s Gate Park in San Pedro.

Pacific Coast Highway

The quintessential scenic route along the California coastline, spans the entire West Coast of the US, with nearly 650 miles of coastal views. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches from California’s northern border with Oregon all the way down to San Diego making it the longest road in California but is also considered one of the most scenic drives in the US. With non-stop coastal views, beach towns and piers, and panoramic vantage points from the various mountain ranges there are so many wonderful spots to pullover at and explore it just comes down to whatever tickles your curiosity. Beware California’s coast has led to portions of Highway 1 being closed for long periods of time. To avoid being re-routed further inland, be sure to check the current conditions before departing.

Angeles Crest Scenic Byway

An often-overlooked scenic drive because it is inland is the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway which runs through the San Gabriel mountain range all the way through the Angeles National Forest. Climbing up to almost 8,000 feet, the drive will take you through spectacular views of the Pomona Valley and the Mojave Desert. Be sure to pack a picnic, as there are plenty of areas to stop and enjoy lunch with your view, as well as several trailheads for running, hiking or climbing. The most popular is the San Gabriel Peak, an easy hike with views you’ll never forget. At the top of the summit, you can enjoy a 360 view of the surrounding area and neighborhoods of Pasadena or Glendale.

Link to check road conditions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=sr1
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Weekend Events: April 12-14

While half of LA will be making the trek to Coachella Weekend 1, the rest of us are looking forward to…less traffic. But also our own weekend fun outside of Indio. While we don’t have Ariana to headline our city events, this round-up is Angeleno approved. So read on for the top things to do this April 12-14!

Friday, April 12

Game of Thrones Party

Location: Alcove, 1929 Hillhurst Avenue., Los Angeles

Brace yourselves GOT fans, an epic themed party is coming! Hosted by Alcove and Big Bar is a fete fit for the Dragon Queen. The venue will be transforming into Westeros for the evening. Enjoy a night filled with immersive experiences, entertainment, cocktails and food.

Click here for more info.

For an extra special GOT treat check out Wanderlust Creamery and their Game of Cones Ice Cream line-up. Click here to learn more.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night

Location: Universal Studios

Ready your wands for Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night. Universal Studios will be putting on quite the spectacle this weekend to celebrate the brand-new Dark Arts light show. The celebration will be two days of festivities that include photo-ops, a catered dinner and wizardly entertainment.

Click here for more info.

The Toyota Grand Prix

Location: Long Beach

Speed over to Long Beach for the Toyota Grand Prix this weekend. The annual event will feature live street racing, music, a lifestyle expo, contest, food and more! The event is sponsored by Acura and takes place over 4 days.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 13

Los Angeles Dance Festival

Location: 5151 State University Drive., Los Angeles

Don’t miss out on an exciting showcase of talent! The LA Dance Festival brings attention to the best contemporary dance in the city. In partnership with the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and Cal State University-LA, the event features a wide range of concert dance.

Click here for more info.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Wildflower Week

Location: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Wildflower Week kicks off this Saturday through April 21st. Enjoy a nine-day celebration of California’s wildflowers at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens. Along with a display of california poppies and lupines will be an art exhibit, cocktail party and guided tours.

Click here for more info.

L.A. Times Festival of Books

Location: USC, University Park Campus

Let your inner bookworm roam free at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. The annual event will feature over 500 authors, celebrities, chefs, musicians and artists. Among the literary stars and celebs scheduled to appear are Ali Abbas, Stephanie Abraham, Kwame Alexander and many more.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 14

Gelateria Uli 5th Anniversary Party

Location: Spring Arcade, DTLA

In celebration of their 5th Anniversary, the Gelateria Uli at DTLA Spring Arcade will host a bubbly party from 2-5 p.m. Stop by for drinks, music and tours of the gelato kitchen along with gelato and sorbet of course.

Click here for more info.

Dodgers Vs. Brewers

Location: Dodger Stadium

As Dodger season continues to ramp up towards our hopefully inevitable victory, the boys in blue take on the Milwaukee Brewers this Sunday. Enjoy a good ol’ day at the old ball game and be sure to bring the little ones for the Dodgers ‘Kids Run The Bases’ day. Kids AGE 14 and under will get the chance to run the famed field after the game alongside a silent auction put on by the Dodgers Foundation.

Click here for more info.

Silent Sundays at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Location: San Gabriel Playhouse

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse welcomes back the Silent Sundays series. This Sunday will feature Alfred Hitchcocks 1929 thriller Blackmail alongside a Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. This film is considered one of his earliest masterpieces. Quoted by TCM as a “beautifully crafted early exercise in nail biting suspense from Hitchcock’s pre-Hollywood canon”.

Click here for more info.

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LA Eats: Healthy Eats of the Week

Sunday is Earth Day but for us Angeleno’s we’re pretty good at spreading green initiatives all year round. We lead the forefront of organic and vegan dining options, and live off kombucha and kale. With healthy eats being such a major part of our diet, this weeks restaurant round up is fresher then our jokes!

Read below for the top 10 Organic restaurants to try in LA and discover your inner angeleno!!

Akasha

Location: Culver City

Between the organic spirits and California-Mediterranean menu, Akahsa is setting the bar for healthy sips and bites. “The Akasha” for example is a Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka thats every bit as refreshing as it sounds. Try that alongside their Turkey Burger topped with Jalapeno and red pepper for simple perfection.

Elf Cafe

Location: Los Angeles

This quaint dinner-only spot is both soulful and satisfying. A vegetarian gem for Angeleno’s, Elf Cafe creatively nods to the Middle East. The Moroccan vegetable tagine on a bed of quinoa is deliciously welcoming to even the most timid taste buds. Or go for a savory tart with crimini mushrooms and braised leeks. Either way, your appetite wont be disappointed.

Neighbor

Location: Venice

Neighbor seeks to eschew typical borderlines like the South or even California, opting instead for a roster of dishes from chef Joshua Luce. The menu moves from garden peas and burrata with flowering mint to turmeric and yogurt-laced broccolini. There’s also the buckwheat noodles with black garlic and scallions. Or the salmon with miso mustard, the requisite Mary’s chicken, and steak for those in need. We’ll go on but I’m sure your hungry!

Local

Location: Los Angeles

At this laid back spot, you can tuck into a crisp, whole wheat Belgian waffle topped with chunky homemade fruit compote or indulge in dangerously good spicy fries served with spicy ranch dressing. (Order them extra crispy.)  If you’re in a hurry, you can hit the salad bar for sesame kale, or tomatoes with feta. Dinner recently received an  overhaul. With homemade sausages, Cuban sandwiches, fish and chips. The most popular offerings will make the cut.

Mohawk Bend

Location: Los Angeles

Mohawk Bend doesn’t look like what you might think of an organic-type restaurant. It’s hip, but not hippie. But the restaurant’s most notable feature is its beer. There are a whopping 70 offerings on tap, two more in casks, and beer paraphernalia everywhere you look. The kitchen uses organic flour and organic tomatoes for their pies. They come out of the oven nice and chewy with a blistered crust. Offerings range from the classic Holy Trinity, with a choice of standard mozzarella or vegan cheese, to a vegan banh mi pizza with Sriracha aioli.

SunCafe Organic

Location: Studio City

Kale is the celebrity at this sweet cafe. It is star of the popular “sweet kale shake,” along with banana, cashew and agave. And it is a popular side with the pizzas and burgers, all of which are vegetarian and available raw. The pizzas, for instance, can be had on either whole wheat flatbread or raw “SunCrust,” a combination of nuts and seeds. But not everything contains kale. Lettuce tacos, listed as a starter, make an ample lunch.

Tar & Roses

Location: Santa Monica

If carrots could be anything, they would want to land in Andrew Kirschner’s kitchen. At Tar & Roses, they are charred to almost burnt, soft and sweet and caramelized, and topped with a dollop of lush crème fraiche touched with chermoula. Like the carrots, the “pho” paccio on the menu packs big flavor. Think of it as pho without the broth: paper-thin rounds of meltingly tender beef finished with sambal, Thai basil, cilantro and red jalapeno.

Sqirl Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

Vegans and vegetarians are as happy here as meat-loving restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who has a namesake sandwich: prosciutto and fennel on burnt baguette. Regulars at this tiny, toast-forward, breakfast-all-day café in Silver Lake are a loyal bunch, lining up for thick slices of burnt brioche slathered with ricotta and pretty housemade jam, bowls of “kaboulleh” (kale, raw cauliflower, and crispy fried rice), and jam-filled French toast with crème fraîche. The creative seasonal food is kinda healthy, kinda decadent, and definitely delicious.

Flower Child

Location: Santa Monica

We’re pretty sure Santa Monica did not need another fast casual spot, but we’re also sure we could do a lot worse than Flower Child. There are plenty of salads and vegan options on the menu, as well as heartier dishes that will mean you’re not hungry again in an hour. We’re also appreciative of the table service that happens after you place your order, making the whole place feel less like our high school cafeteria.

Crossroads Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

It seemed Impossible that a restaurant could make even the heaviest carnivore question whether they’re eating plant or meat. The folks at Crossroads took that challenge and delivered 1000x over. Home of the famed “Impossible” burger, a 100% plant based gourmet take on the American classic is a dream. Take that alongside their extensive menu of all plant based bites and you’re in a vegan paradise whose doors are open to all.

 

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