Category: food

Posted on

Fun Things to do For Labor Day Weekend

The last holiday weekend of summer is here! While you can always opt for the bevy of fun available in L.A., this weekend features some great LDW choices! We scouted the World-Wide-Web so you don’t have to and listed our picks of Labor Day focused fun! Read the round-up below and make the most of your weekend!!

L.A. County Fair

Location: Fairplex, Pomona

L.A. has changed immeasurably since 1921, when this event was first staged as an agricultural fair. However, the perennially popular event still has farm-friendly appeal (livestock beauty contests, local produce) alongside the more modern acrobats, wine tastings, exhibitions and concerts.

Click here for more info.

L.A. Times-The Taste

Location: Paramount Studios

The Taste attracts foodies of all types to the Paramount back lot for a weekend to sample some of the best food and wine L.A. has to offer. Various L.A. Times editors and writers will host daily panel discussions and demonstrations on topics from farm-to-table cuisine to how to mix the perfect cocktail. Your ticket allows you full nibbling privileges, as you soak up knowledge from the esteemed panelists.

Click here for more info.

Fiesta Hermosa

Location: Downtown Hermosa Beach, Hermosa Beach

Roam the 400 stalls at this arts festival, sample the fine foods and listen to the music—and then take a dip in the nearby Pacific. Look out for the Fiesta over both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Click here for more info.

626 Night Market

Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

The midnight snacker’s greatest fantasy is just a car ride away. One of America’s largest Asian food markets spans the course of Santa Anita Park’s front Paddock Gardens. Come hungry and come caffeinated—this lively market, complete with over 100 Asian street food and booze peddlers, live music, artists, films, games, and beyond, won’t put itself to bed until midnight each evening.

Click here for more info.

Cinecon Classic Film Festival

Location: Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood

Film buffs, unite. This lesser-known cinephile festival is celebrating 55 years of showing classic film fare and selling top movie memorabilia in the heart of Hollywood this Labor Day weekend. Enjoy a five-day program of rare and “unusual” films, shown back-to-back at the Egyptian Theatre.

Click here for more info.

Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

Nobody’s film credits can compare to John Williams: Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and literally a hundred others. David Newman conducts the LA Phil as they tackle the composer’s iconic film scores set to a selection of movie clips, with an appearance from Williams himself.

Click here for more info.

Street Food Cinema

Location: Multiple Venues

For dinner and a movie, all in one, just follow the food trucks. During the summer and fall, Street Food Cinema throws together a series of mostly outdoor parties that include screenings of some of our favorite movies, paired with an assortment of gourmet food trucks and even a live music performance from a cool local band.

Click here for more info.

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel.

Click here for more info.

Pasadena Daydream

Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena

Pasadena Daydream, a single-day concert curated by and featuring the Cure, will take over Brookside at the Rose Bowl. The spectacularly moody lineup also features Pixies, Deftones, Mogwai, Throwing Muses, the Joy Formidable, Chelsea Wolfe, the Twilight Sad, Emma Ruth Rundle and Kælan Mikla.

Click here for more info.

The Music Center Plaza Reopening

Location: The Music Center, DTLA

The half-century–old Music Center Plaza unveils the results of its 20-month, $41 million renovation with a slew of free outdoor celebrations. Scope out the brand new Go Get Em Tiger outpost, the Mullin Wine Bar and the new restaurant Abernethy’s, attend the latest Dance DTLA, catch free performances and more.

Click here for more info.

 

Posted on

Out and About: The L.A. County Fair

Summer in Los Angeles may be officially over come September, but the fun has just begun for LA County Fair-goers. Every year, thousands of people make the trip to the Fairplex in Pomona to eat fried foods, take a plunge on a carnival ride and maybe win a prize at one of the many game booths. Before you start making your plans for fall, enjoy one last summer hurrah at the LA County Fair and make the most of it with this guide!

When:

The L.A. County Fair runs from August 30–September 22. Hours are Wed noon–10pm, Thu noon–11pm, Fri noon–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight and Sun 10am–10pm. Labor Day Weekend hours are extended, and the fair will be open that Monday.

Where:

1101 W McKinley Ave. in Pomona – If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take the 10 East, get off at the Fairplex Drive exit, turn left and follow signs to the Fairplex. Another option is to exit at White Avenue, turn left and follow signs to the fair.

Expenses:

The admission ticket breakdown is as follows: On weekdays, tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for children (6–12), and $10 for adults 60 and over; on weekends and holidays, adults are $20, children $12 and seniors $15. Children under 6 are always free.

Parking:

General admission parking is $15 and VIP parking is $25

Bands:

This year’s performers include the O’Jays, Pitbull, WAR, Juanes, 38 Special and more. Click here for the full lineup. https://lacountyfair.com/entertainment/concerts

Food:

This year, the L.A. County Fair makes this gluttonous bounty affordable via a new Route 66-themed menu—in keeping with the fair’s general 2018 theme, Route 66—and items cost only $6.60. Game on. The Route 66 lineup that includes more than 90 dish specials, ranging from classic state-fair foods to a few LA favorites.

Posted on

LA Eats: LA’s Best Sandwich Shops

When it comes to a quick satisfying bite, you can never go wrong with the right sandwich. Since L.A. is full of great places to eat, there is definitely no shortage of tasty sandwich shops. That’s why we rounded up some of our go-to’s for this lunchtime favorite. Read our list of LA’s best sandwich shops with this edition of LA Eats!

 

  1. Bay Cities – 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica 90401

There isn’t a sandwich more synonymous with they city of Los Angeles than The Godmother at Bay Cities. That said, whether it’s a caprese or a turkey pastrami, this Italian deli is loaded with excellent sandwiches, and you need to try all of them.

  1. ASAP Phorage- 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 90293

If you start thinking about ASAP Phorage’s washugyu beef pho the moment your plane begins its descent into LAX, we have that in common. But the real secret at this tiny Vietnamese shop in the back of a convenience store in Playa del Rey are the banh mi sandwiches.

  1. Wax Paper – 2902 Knox Ave., Los Angeles 90039

Plain and simple, you won’t find a better top-to-bottom sandwich menu in LA than the one at Wax Paper. Located inside a shipping container next to the LA River in Frogtown, this tiny shop is nothing more than a counter and a side patio, but when the sandwiches taste this incredible, you don’t need any bells and whistles.

  1. Philippe The Original- 1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles 90012

Open since 1908, Philippe is one of the oldest restaurants in the entire city and – as its name implies – is the home of the original French dip sandwich (though the folks at Cole’s would beg to differ). Add the house mustard that sits on every table and you’ve got one of the most iconic sandwiches in LA.

  1. The Oaks Gourmet Market- 1915 N. Bronson Ave., Los Angeles

Situated amongst the screeching improv actors and Scientology centers of Franklin Village, Oaks Gourmet is one of our favorite spots for a quick lunch in Hollywood. While this order-at-the-counter market/cafe is best known for their burger, their sandwiches are almost as good. 

  1. Gjusta- 320 Sunset Ave., Venice 90291

Let’s cut to the chase – this Venice bakery is a chaotic mob scene nearly every day of the week, and if they had Xanax on their menu, we’d order it. Whether it’s the bialy egg breakfast sandwich, the tuna conserva, or the porchetta melt, these are easily our favorite sandwiches in Venice, and Gjusta is an essential pit stop after a day at the beach.

  1. Larchmont Wine and Cheese- 223 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles 90004

When you first walk into Larchmont Wine and Cheese, you’ll wonder why you’re standing in the middle of a fancy wine shop. Don’t worry – you’re here for the tiny sandwich counter in the back.

  1. Jackson Market and Deli- 4065 Jackson Ave., Culver City 90232

Culver City is full of neighborhood restaurants, but nothing quite matches the atmosphere of Jackson Market. This grocery and deli is located on an entirely residential street, and if you didn’t look closely you’d probably assume it was just another house on the block.

  1. John’s Garden- 3835 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu 90265

It’s easy to assume the Pier is the center of all things Malibu, but one trip over to the Country Mart will prove you wrong. Lines get long during peak weekend hours, but if you’re looking for some post-hike nourishment, John’s is where you go.

  1. Wexler’s Deli- 616 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401

Wexler’s Deli started as a tiny stall in Grand Central Market and has since expanded to include locations in Santa Monica, DTLA, Century City, and Palm Springs. Regardless of which location you end up at, know you’re going to be getting tremendous Jewish deli-style sandwiches.

Posted on

Best Immersive Bars In L.A.

One of the most popular ways that bars create an immersive environment is by adopting a unique theme. whether it mimics a specific TV show or pays homage to an era, such as a Star Wars-themed pub, a throwback 1980s nightclub, and a steampunk speakeasy. Peruse this fun list of the Best Immersive Themed Bars in Los Angeles, that take these themes beyond gimmicky drinks and quirky decor, to offer a more unique drinking experience.

BeetleHouse LA

Location: 1714 N. Las Palmas Ave. Hollywood

Theme: Every Tim Burton film ever made

Named after an undead bio-exorcist, the bar is a tribute to all things Tim Burton. Artwork, decor and photo-friendly tableaus reference Edward Scissorhands, A Nightmare Before Christmasand Batman Returns. Danny Elfman scores and dark wave tracks from the ’80s set a playful, spooky vibe that reflects Burton’s aesthetic. Drinks at BeetleHouse LA are themed and mostly sweet, like the tropical Big Fish Bowl, meant for two. If you want to eat there, make a reservation for the adjacent dining room. Dinner is prix fixe and includes an appetizer (like the Corprese Bride salad), a main course (maybe the Linguini Todd or Edward Burger Hands) and a dessert.

 

Black Rabbit Rose & Madame Siam

Location: 1719 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood

Theme: A little magic, a little sideshow

One of the Houston Brothers’ many nightclubs, Black Rabbit Rose is a magic-themed lounge and theater, decked out with apothecary bottles, portraits of famous magicians and an operational fortune telling machine. The theater offers a variety of ticketed magic and vaudeville shows as well as the occasional jazz night. Guests can order cocktails made with spectacle or Thai-Chinese cuisine from takeout window Crying Tiger. Connected to Black Rabbit Rose is Madame Siam, a carnival-themed cocktail bar complete with a midway where you can shoot cans and play ring toss.

Scum & Villainy

Location: 6377 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Theme: A Star Wars-inspired bar for geeks

Obi-Wan Kenobi promised a young Luke Skywalker that he would “never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy” than the Mos Eisley Spaceport. This Hollywood Boulevard bar does its best to top the cantina where Han shot first, complete with war room-style maps and customers milling about in their best First Order cosplay. It wouldn’t be accurate to say Scum & Villainy is only a Star Wars bar. All fandoms are welcome at weekly game nights, karaoke, trivia contests and occasional cosplay evenings. Leading up to the final season of Game of Thrones, it transformed into Fire & Ice Tavern, with a sad-faced Weirwood tree, an Iron Throne and Stark and Targaryen sigils. As for the menu, expect beer, themed cocktails and bar bites such as quesadillas, tots and chicken fingers, which were one of Greedo’s favorite snacks, as any real Star Wars fan knows.

No Vacancy

Location: 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood

Theme: It’s Prohibition but that ain’t stopping anyone

Just down the street from Black Rabbit Rose you’ll find No Vacancy, another Houston Brothers property. The Prohibition-era speakeasy is set in an old Victorian home and has a clever secret entrance. Once you’ve made it in (sometimes a challenge on a busy night), you can explore the many spaces including the lovely back patio or the candlelit parlor. Live entertainment might be music, burlesque or vaudeville. They do serve food although most people come for the ambiance and the ever-changing cocktail menu.

The Green Room

Location: 1250 E. Harvard Road, Burbank

Theme: Elaborate movie-themed cocktails with a view

At first blush, the Green Room doesn’t seem like much of a themed bar but stay with us. It’s tucked inside Burbank’s Castaway, a hilltop restaurant that opened in 1962 with a Polynesian theme. The 2018 renovation ditched the island vibes for a clean, modern design but if you look closely, you’ll spot nods to the movie industry. The menus look like screenplays and a Wilson volleyball with a bloody handprint on it rests on an otherwise chic shelf. Make your way into The Green Room and you’ll find a film-themed cocktail menu designed with Instagram in mind. One of the most extravagant drinks is The Short Round, named for Indiana Jones’s buddy in The Temple of Doom. It’s made with Macallan 12, Dolin Blanc and Suze, and it comes in a chest that billows with fog when opened, courtesy of a dry ice skull.

The Edison

Location: 108 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A.

Theme: A steampunk speakeasy

The Edison shares an owner, and a penchant for meticulous design, with Clifton’s. Housed in a former power plant, it’s a cavernous space with an aesthetic that feels like the Paris World’s Fair of 1900 in an alternate universe’s industrial revolution. Regular events include live jazz and burlesque, although you’d be wise to check the calendar to ensure the venue isn’t closed for a private event or a shoot. They serve fancy snacks and craft cocktails and the bouncers enforce a strict dress code, so make sure everyone in your party is dressed to impress.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

Location: 1611 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood

Theme: A ’70s bachelor pad

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a ’70s-themed bar mostly frequented by people conceived in the ’80s and ’90s. Guests enter through a fridge door off El Centro and emerge in a lounge that looks like your uncle’s basement pad. There’s not a bar to slide up to, per se, but you can relax on one of the comfy couches or try to snag a seat on the patio swing out back. Order cocktails and beer from the main bar inside or boozy snow cones and beers from the camper trailer on the patio. A limited bar food menu is available outside and regular entertainment includes DJs spinning vinyl, dancers on roller skates and bands. (Please note your best ’70s attire may be subject to the bar’s dress code: no athletic wear, shorts or sandals are allowed after dark.)

La Descarga

Location: 1159 N. Western Ave., Hollywood

Theme: A steamy Havana night circa 1930s

Yet another Houston Brothers spot, La Descarga is a Cuban-themed nightclub and cigar lounge best suited for upscale parties or intimate dates. You’ll enter, once again, through a clandestine door where a spiral staircase takes you from a mezzanine to a dimly lit rum bar. (They do have cocktails with other spirits, if that’s your poison.) Explore further and you’ll find a spacious, covered lounge with a brightly tiled floor where you’re free to toke on cigars. La Descarga is not a neighborhood bar you can just stumble into for a casual drink. The upbeat music is a touch too loud for contemplation, reservations are required and the dress code demands upscale attire. But if you want to make a night of it, you can enjoy live bands, dancers and a sultry vibe. Considering the limited seating, you might feel inclined to dance.

Sassafras Saloon

Location: 1233 N. Vine St., Hollywood

Theme: Midnight in the garden of good and tipsy

The 1933 Group — the folks behind Idle Hour, Bigfoot Lodge and the revamped Formosa Cafe— turned a former townhouse into the Sassafras, an antebellum Southern-themed joint with cocktails, burlesque and New Orleans-style food. The most interesting thing about the bar may be the fact that the house wasn’t originally built in Hollywood. It was built in Georgia, taken apart, moved to L.A. and put back together so we could drink sazeracs and eat po’boys with Zacc chips. The street scene facades and plethora of antique knick-knacks should give you plenty to look at while you practice your best Southern charms.

Bigfoot Lodge

Location(s): 3172 Los Feliz Blvd., Atwater Village and 10939 Venice Blvd., Palms

Theme: A pleasant cabin in the woods

There are two Bigfoot Lodges, one in Atwater Village and another in Palms. Both will make you feel like you’re a sasquatch-obsessed cryptozoologist or maybe just a ranger in a National Park. Expect antler lamps, signs about preventing forest fires and the vague sensation that you’re a character in Twin Peaks. The Atwater location has a Lynchian, woodland-themed animatronic display at the entrance in which a bear and a squirrel are perpetually in motion. Both have a daily happy hour from 5 to 9 p.m. with cocktails for as cheap as $5.

Clifton’s

Location: 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90014

Theme: An L.A. institution of many themes

Clifton’s contains multitudes. It was once part of a chain of themed restaurants and this outpost is the last survivor. The space is filled with charming installations and detailed touches that demand thorough exploration. The woodsy bottom floors are dominated by a towering, fake Redwood tree and taxidermy galore. Seek out a secret cave for contemplation located near the bar on the second floor. Then meander up to the gorgeous Gothic Bar, which looks like a broody cathedral located deep in the forest. Clifton’s does have a tiki bar on a higher floor, but as we said, that’s for a different list.

Shadowbox @ Clifton’s

Shadowbox is the fifth concept scheduled to open in the five-story Clifton’s Republic. Like its above-ground sibling bars, which include the California-themed Monarch and the upscale Gothic Bar, Shadowbox will be an immersive fantasy experience in its decor and presentation. Hailed as an “otherworldly environment inspired by scientific curiosities”. Such curiosities include fossilized dinosaur eggs beneath a plexiglass screen in the floor. Cocktails inspired by science and alchemy are meant to delight customers’ senses as much as the stage performances.

The Reserve

Location: 650 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90014

Looking for amazing lounges in downtown L.A., The Reserve is a massive nightclub and lounge located in the underground vault of the old Hellman’s Commercial Bank. The Reserve often features themed events and special DJ nights in different rooms, so make sure to check the calendar. This is a true club experience: fantasy lighting, exuberant dancing, long lines, beautiful people, cover charges; all behind a bank vault door, surrounded by decor that incorporates elements like gold bars and intact safe deposit boxes. This is a destination for those looking for some kitsch with their bottle service.

Lost Spirits Distillery

Location: Arts District, Downtown LA

Lost Spirits does not serve food, but we put it on this list simply because it’s one of our favorites experiences in the city. Lost Spirits isn’t just a place to drink rum. It’s an art installation/jungle cruise/science experiment. Each tour last around 90 minutes, and you should book tickets well in advance on their website. Tours run Friday through Sunday.

 

Source: List compiled from LAist & DiscoverLA
Posted on

Weekend Events: August 23-25

Honestly, we are a little shocked that August is almost over when we are pretty sure it just started. Fleeting summer aside don’t let the hustle and bustle of LA cause you to miss out on this weekends fun. There is no shortage of exciting events around the city. Whether you are on the westside, in the valley or Downtown, we have just the thing to do for you! Read our weekend events and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, August 23
L.A. Food & Wine 2019

Location: Barker Hanger, Santa Monica

L.A. Food and Wine Fest kicks off on Thursday with a selection of special dinners at restaurants across the city! August 23-25 the focus shifts to the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. This foodie fest is only for three days of themed-out events and tastings hosted by top chefs. Don’t miss out on summer’s best cuisine enthusiast festival!

Click here for more info.

Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop

Location: Annenberg Space for Photography

Due to popular demand, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop – is extending its run through Sunday, August 25. Free and open to the public, the exhibit includes photos of hip-hop icons like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. This along with an interactive record shop, and a documentary on the history of this popular music genre.

Click here for more info.

Heritage Square Summer Concert Series

Location: Heritage Square, Oxnard

Oxnard’s Heritage Square Summer Concert Series returns in 2019 for another 12 week run. Don’t miss the last two weekends of music at this historic spot.  Concerts start at 6pm and end at 8:30pm, with a half hour break at 7pm. The concerts offer entertainment to suit every musical preference. These styles range from Reggae to Big Band and from Latin Jazz to Rock.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, August 24
Retro Roller Rink

Location: Union Station, DTLA

Union Station is transforming the historic ticket course into a Retro Roller Rink from August 24-25. The 3200 square foot pop-up rink will be soundtracked by a DJ spinning classics from the 70s, 80s and right now. As an added bonus, the renowned LA Roller Girls will be on hand giving hot tips to skaters of all levels. And showing off their moves…presumably.

Click here for more info.

Chinatown Cinema: Kung Fu Hustle

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

Chinatown Cinema will be debuting their first movie screening on August 24 featuring Kung Fu Hustle. The series aims to highlight diversity and inclusivity in movies. There will be a food truck, bubble tea, free photo booths, giant games and a short film before the main feature begins.

Click here for more info. 

Endless Summer Beer Fest

Location: Rancho Simi Community Park

Presented by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset, Simi’s Endless Summer Beer Fest kicks off this Saturday. The event will feature over a dozen craft breweries with over 20 beers to taste. Enjoy unlimited beer tastings featuring local breweries, enjoy music and food trucks. Proceeds to benefit local charitable, educational and humanitarian causes. 21 and over only.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, August 25
Park After Dark

Location: Paramount Ranch

Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Click here for more info.

4th Annual BBQ Day

Location: Smorgasburg LA, DTLA

The 4th Annual BBQ Day at Smorgasburg LA is coming and they’re brining the best BBQ. From Texas-style brisket to Memphis style rib sandwiches and even vegan BBQ, it’s too delicious to miss! Cool down at Ice Cream Alley, a special area dedicated to awesome scoop vendors. Enjoy one-of-a-kind collaborations plus its own dedicated beer garden.

Click here for more info.

Poolside: Immersive Experience

Location: Rhythm Visuals Gallery, DTLA

Poolside is a new immersive abstract painting show at Rhythm Visuals gallery in Downtown L.A. The exhibition features multiple rooms and visual experiences, including one where guests throw water balloons at a white wall to reveal a hidden painting. The exhibit is open Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. through September 5.

Click here for more info. 

Posted on

LA Eats: The Best Food Trucks in L.A.

Whether you’re craving a morning nosh or lunchtime reprieve, these food trucks are sure to satisfy. With LA having a bounty of delicious meals on wheels throughout the city, we tracked down some notable favs. So save your appetite for the best food trucks in L.A.! Your tastebuds will thank you later!!

Kogi BBQ

Various locations

Roy Choi’s Kogi truck is almost undisputedly the leader of the Twitter food truck revolution in LA. Still an absolute powerhouse of creative fusion cooking, his culinary masterpieces lead to the nationwide trend of wrapping, like, everything in a corn tortilla.
Where to find it: From West LA to Whittier, Kogi goes everywhere. Keep an eye on its stops here.

Prince of Venice

Santa Monica

No, seriously, this pasta-heavy truck is indeed owned by a real-life royalty. The dapper Prince Emanuele Filiberto, grandson of grandson of Umberto II, the last guy to ever serve as King of Italy. Filiberto’s idea was to combine Italian imports like flour, olive oil, and truffles with locally sourced California ingredients to create housemade noodles and rustic sauces and then sell it all out of a truck… as princes so often do. The result is excellent fresh pasta dishes like bucatini all’amatriciana, and orecchiette in an almond-spiked pesto, along with take-home jars of vibrant Bolognese.
Where to find it: Usually on the Westside, but sometimes LACMA or elsewhere; check the weekly schedule before heading out.

Jogasaki Sushi Burrito

Various locations

The self-proclaimed “Home of the Original Sushi Burrito,” and deservedly so. The massive rolls are like amazing poke bowls minus the chopsticks. Grab a Spicy Salmon Delight, with spicy salmon, avocado, and cucumber wrapped with sushi rice and soy paper. The Spicy Tuna Nachos are actually spicy tuna and avocado on a bed of Doritos (yup) with eel sauce.
Where to find it: Another truck that’s always on the move, you’ll want to check Jogasaki’s schedule ahead of time.

 

Mandoline Grill

Various locations

The long-running Mandoline’s bánh mì are some of the best truck bites in the city, with choices of tasty grilled pork, Hawaiian BBQ chicken, or lemongrass tofu. You can also pop any of those proteins in a taco, a bun, or even on top of tortilla chips, with scallions, jalapeño, mint, cilantro, and Sriracha aioli for some Vietnamese nacho action.
Where to find it: Office-heavy areas like Burbank and Century City at lunch, and special events like the Eat|See|Hear outdoor movie nights for dinner. Check the schedule for specifics.

Mariscos Jalisco

Boyle Heights

The long-serving, Gold-beloved Mariscos Jalisco is an unassuming Boyle Heights-based seafood truck that sneakily serves up some of the best Mexican seafood in all of LA (and opened its first restaurant in Pomona last year). MJ’s tostadas, shrimp tacos, and ceviches are now the stuff of legend, thanks to a fiercely loyal following and nearly unbeatable prices. It’s best known for its decadent deep-fried shrimp tacos but you cannot leave without getting the Poseidon tostada – a smorgasbord of offerings including the glossy shrimp aguachile, citrus-heavy ceviche, and meaty chunks of octopus along with somehow-always-perfect avocado and cucumber all atop a crisped-up corn tortilla.
Where to find it: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, 9am to 6pm daily

Let’s Be Frank

Culver City

Sue Moore, one of the geniuses behind Let’s Be Frank, used to be the meat forager at Chez Panisse. If that’s not enough to convince you that this next-level hot dog cart (OK it’s not a truck, but whatever, it’d be wrong not to include it) is worth your time, then we don’t know what is. The meat is family farmed, humanely raised, much cleaner, and just as delicious as your typical street meat.
Where to find it: Helms Bakery Complex from 11:30am to 3:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays only

The Lobos Truck

Various locations

Lobos’ waffle fry nachos are among the best in LA, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have more to offer. If you’re not getting all up in said nachos, you can also get all up in one of their monster burgers (like the Big Lobo, with two Angus patties, Cheddar, Jack, a fried egg, guac, and tomato on brioche), some fresh salads, or some Spicy Mac (mac & cheese with completely homemade, completely kickass Diablo sauce). And do we even need to tell you to finish it off with a salted caramel bacon brownie? We don’t, right? We don’t.
Where to find it: Lobos is mainly booked via private events, so you’ll need to contact the crew.

Leo’s Taco Truck

Various locations

You’ll love anything you get from this taco institution, but you probably won’t love anything more than the al pastor that’s made Leo’s such a fan favorite. You’ll see it getting sliced from the trompo, a huge, vertical gas grill. Served with pineapple, it’s truly one of the tastiest tacos in the city — and at $1, one of the cheapest as well.
Where to find it: With eight trucks open until the wee hours, you’ll be able to easily score a taco when you need it.

Dinas Dumpling

Various locations

The eye-catching pink truck offers a gloriously streamlined menu of five types of multi-hued Chinese scratch-made dumplings daily. These include beet-red beef, a carrot-orange chicken variety, and mushroom-and-tofu dumplings made of spinach-spiked dough. While it used to be mainly Pasadena-based, you can now catch Dinas rolling through Hollywood, Culver City, Burbank, and beyond.
Where to find it: Often outside big offices like Cartoon Network in Burbank or feeding the Silicon Beach set in Playa Vista. Also at NoHo’s Vegan Sunday fest. Check the truck’s Twitter page for the latest locations, or view the projected schedule here.

Merci Clement Truck

Various locations

What’s better than velvety gelato on a scorching summer-in-LA day? When said gelato comes on a stick, of course. The truck of treats (which now operates a brick-and-mortar outpost in Santa Monica) offers straight-laced flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut in addition to swirled varietals of strawberry cheesecake and tiramisu and artsy popsicles dipped in flavored praline crunch or chocolate-spiked graham crackers. Non-dairy types can also get in on the action with vegan sorbet sticks, all on display in the gleaming glass case.
Where to find it: Frequently wheeling and dealing in front Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza, though they don’t seem to give much of a heads up on social media.

Ricky’s Fish Tacos

Los Feliz

If you want to make a living selling Baja-style fish tacos, it certainly helps to be born in raised in the seaside town of Ensenada, as owner Ricky Piña was. His fish and shrimp tacos (the only two types the truck typically offers) are some of the best in the city, and that light-and-crunchy batter is a big part of what makes them so dreamy, done up with classic crema, pico de gallo, and cabbage on a white corn tortilla. You can take down these tacos five days a week under the Hyperion overpass.
Where to find it: 3201 Riverside Drive, Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.

The Rooster 

Venice, Mar Vista

If it’s your first time, you’ll want to go straight for the Rico Suave: a hefty flour tortilla loaded with greasy-crunchy Tater Tots tasty ingredients like bacon, a Cheddar-cotija blend, over-medium egg. You could also do an avocado brioche toast, bacon, egg & cheese sandwich on ciabatta, or an egg-topped wagyu burger.
Where to find it: Weekends only. Out front of Blue Bottle Coffee on Abbot Kinney in Venice on Saturdays from 7:30am to 2:30pm, and on Sundays at the Mar Vista Farmers Market from 9am to 2pm.

Steamy Bun Truck

Various locations

If you stuff it they will come sounds like the perfect motto for this popular bun truck. Filling its puffy steamed dough with everything from traditional pork belly to a soy-and-hoisin-infused angus burger patty, can we say yum! You can also load up on sides of shrimp chips, egg rolls, chicken empanadas, and the Footine fries piled with Japanese beef curry, gravy, sour cream, and Sriracha. Good God.
Where to find it: At the Hollywood Night Market on Thursday evenings, Abbot Kinney First Fridays, and other festivals and events. Keep an eye on the truck on Twitter.

Bad Chkn

DTLA/Glendale

Opened by three culinary school pals, Bad Chkn now parks in front of a body shop in Glendale most nights. If you want to skip the sandwich, try the Cheddar-and-chive-grits poppers served with beer-battered shrimp and tossed in the same super hot sauce. They’ve also got wings, loaded crinkle-cut fries, and fancy truffle upgrades. Is it a crazy idea to launch a first-time food truck in 2019? These guys are gonna find out.
Where to find it: Monday through Friday, 10:30am to 2pm at 1933 S Broadway, Downtown LA, and 6:30pm to 10pm at 801 S Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale.

Posted on

Fun Things To Do in August!

While summer dwells on into September, August is really considered the end of the season. At least when it comes to the city’s best summer fun! That’s why you shouldn’t let the month pass you by without some necessary excitement! Read the list below of all the fun happening around town this month and make the most of your August adventures!!

LA Taco & Beer Festival returns on August 10 with unlimited tacos and craft beer from top restaurants around California and beyond. There will be live Lucha Libre wrestling every 30 minutes in addition to art, boutique vendors, games, food trucks, and DJ’s.

The Los Angeles Tea Festival brings together 45+ exhibitors, 20+ classes, and over 4,000 attendees to sip on quality tea and engage in in-depth discussions and presentations on teas from every region. Attendees will be able to try unique tea pairings and craft tea-infused cocktails and boba.

Beauty Con is a two-day beauty convention and featuring makeup tutorials,, fireside chats, tips on self-care, more than 150 top brands, 500 influencers and creators, plus plenty of Instagrammable photo opportunities.

Echo Park Rising celebrates the creativity, diversity, music and businesses of Echo Park with a four-day celebration featuring food, drink, and live music.

The world’s largest Korean culture convention stops in Los Angeles from August 15 to 18 (first year it’s been four days!) for a celebration of music, workshops, meet-and-greets, and more, plus two nights of concerts at Staples Center.

Pod Save America, a podcast hosted by former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor, and Dan Pfeiffer, is going on tour for a live conversation about politics, the press, and the challenges posed by the Trump presidency. The tour will feature guest co-host Jemele Hill and performances by Maggie Rogers, Amanda Seale, Best Coast & My Morning Jacket’s Jim James.

The LA Taco Festival aims to bring the city together to eat tacos and support a good cause – helping homeless youth succeed. Jovenes, a nonprofit working to help homeless youth ages 18 to 25, created the festival in 2009 as a way to bring people together, support youth, and enjoy tacos. Admission is free for all ages, with tacos available for purchase.

CicLAvia presents Meet the Hollywoods, an event where West Hollywood, Hollywood, and East Hollywood will be turned into a public recreational space for the day. Attendees can walk, bike, roll, or stroll though some of LA’s most iconic streets from the Hollywood Walk to Fame to West Hollywood’s rainbow crosswalk.

L.A. Food & Wine 2019 kicks off on Thursday, August 22 with a selection of special dinners at restaurants across the city. August 23-25 the focus shifts to the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport for three days of themed-out events hosted by top chefs.

DTLA PROUD Festival 2019 returns to celebrate the culture, history, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in DTLA. There will be a lineup of local stage talent, community booths, art installations, retail vendors and more.

LATINAFest returns to bring thousands of women together for a one-day event. Featuring 100 Latina entrepreneurial vendors, talk sessions and panels with thought leaders, a cocktail garden, workshops, and more.

Head down to Roxanne’s Cocktail Lounge in Long Beach for a Tiki Swapmeet and social. The fun event will feature live tiki bands and DJs, games, and selected tiki vendors from across SoCal.

Twilight Concerts return on August 21. This will be a kick off of six consecutive Wednesdays of free music on the Santa Monica Pier.

The Leimert Park Village Book Fair comes to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw on August 24 for an all-day literary extravaganza.

Brick Fest Live, the #1 LEGO event in the U.S., returns to the Pasadena Convention Center! The two day fest features insane builds, hands-on activities, and sets to buy.

The L.A. County Fair returns to Pomona for a enormous assortment of activities, musical performances, food and beverage offerings, and more. The fair runs through September 23.

The L.A. Times hosts its 10th Annual The Taste celebrating Southern California’s culinary scene. Curated by the Times’ Food Staff, there will be unlimited tastings from regional restaurants, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus access to cooking demonstrations. -> More information.

This August The Cure headlines and curates the Pasadena Daydream Festival. The summer headline event features their favorite artists such as Pixies, Deftones, Mogwai, and Throwing Muses. The festival takes place Saturday, August 31 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. -> More information

Golden Road Brewing hosts its third Made in LA Music and Arts Festival. Taking place on Labor Day Weekend, it’ll celebrate Los Angeles’ best art, music, food and California-inspired beer. The block party features live performances from Phantom Planet, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lematire, Pell, and Lauren Ruth Ward.

Check out this list above a number of free ongoing events series during August:

Proudly powered by WordPress