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”

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.

 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

 

Weekend Events: April 5-7

April is a busy month for Angeleno’s. Between Coachella and every other music festival gearing up now through the summer, what is there to do for those staying in town? No fret! We have you covered. No we don’t have a way to get you to Palm Springs. But we do have a weekend round-up worthy of staying out in the city of stars. So forget about listening to unheard of bands in the middle of the desert and discover your inner angeleno!

 

Friday, April 5th
I Like Scary Movies Experience

Location: The Desmond, Los Angeles

Fans of the horror film genre can rejoice at this eery pop-up. See, smell, hear, and feel iconic moments from some of Hollywoods scariest motion pictures. From IT to A Nightmare on Elm Street, this multi-sensory experience is not for the faint of heart. Running April 4-June 16, Thursday-Sunday.

Click here for more information.

All Space Considered

Location: Griffith Observatory

Explore the phenomena’s of the universe at Griffith Observatory’s monthly forum. This exciting free public program is hosted by the observatory’s curatorial staff. Join them as they explain the most talked about subjects in astronomy and space science.

Click here for more information.

First Fridays in Long Beach: County Fair

Location: Long Beach

Don’t miss the Long Beach County Fair at First Fridays! This version of the popular First Friday event in Long Beach will feature a bounty of family friendly fun. Enjoy fair food, contest, local vendors, art, live music, storytelling and more!

Click here for more information.

Saturday, April 6th
Huntington Library: Shakespeare Day

Dost thou wand’rest where yee may find a celebration of Shakespeare? Well your in luck! Luck being that we wont use anymore old timey jargon  but also that it’s Shakespeare day at Huntington Library! Partake in an afternoon of family friendly performances and fun.

Click here for more information.

Corgi Beach Day a.k.a. Corgchella

Location: Main Street, Huntington Beach

Does this event even need explaining? Corgchella (insert elated happiness) comes to Huntington Beach this Saturday. The event is an afternoon in the sun honoring and hanging out with these precious pups. While this is a corgi-centric event, all pups and humans are welcome. Stop by and find out why the Queen prefers these furry friends.

Click here for more information.

Foodie Con

Location: The Reef, Los Angeles

Fellow Foodies unite! Foodie Con returns to the Magic Box this weekend only for a two-day extravaganza of food-centric fun. Event highlights include, a silent disco, cooking demos, vendors, alcohol samplings and more.

Click here for more information.

Sunday, April 7th
Masters of Taste

Location: Pasadena Rose Bowl

Yes there are a ton of food festivals this weekend, but who is complaining? Partake in the fourth annual Masters of Taste at Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl this Sunday! Nosh on samplings from over 40 culinary Masters and restaurants while sipping on craft cocktails. 100% of the days proceeds will go to Union Station Homeless Services, a nonprofit that assists homeless individuals rebuild their lives.

Click here for more information. 

6th Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest

Location: Glendale

The 6th annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest returns on April 7 to showcase its brewers and breweries from the Los Angeles area. Attendees can taste some of the best local brewers paired with delicious food samples, to enhance their experience. This one-block festival includes various vendors and booths, a photo station activation, lawn games, music from DJ Chloe, and more.

Click here for more information.

8th Annual Earth Day Celebration-Taste of Toluca

Location: Toluca Lake

Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council (GTLNC) is hosting its 8th Annual Earth Day Celebration, featuring Taste of Toluca. While Earth day is a couple weeks ago, why not celebrate our planet a little earlier? Over 40 booths offering green living products, information and services will be on hand. Concurrently, Taste of Toluca will offer complimentary small plates from a wide variety of local purveyors. There will also be a kids’ activity corner, live music and entertainment on the center stage throughout the day.

Click here for more information. 

At Home Exercises to Stay Healthy

This Sunday is World Health Day, so aside from green eats and electric cars, maintaining your health applies at home too. Thats why we are rounding together a handful of easy exercises you can do from the comfort of your abode. Stay healthy the Rodeo Realty way!

FITNESS BLENDER

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender
The husband and wife team behind Fitness Blender, offers a wide selection of full-length videos that allow you to exercise at home without equipment. You will find fat-burning workouts, kickboxing routines, total body strength training, workouts for boosting metabolism, stretching sequences, and more.

Sweaty Betty

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/SweatyBettyUK
This resource offers wonderful online classes that are full of easy exercises to do at home. Sweaty Betty provides yoga workouts, HIIT routines, and many other types for you to try. No matter whether you have experience doing fitness classes or are a complete beginner, Sweaty Betty has something that will get you working at an appropriate level.

Turbulence Training

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/cbathletics
Craig Ballentyne of Turbulence Training provides an in depth collection of no-equipment bodyweight workouts designed to help you burn fat and get lean. These instructional videos are mostly short ones (i.e. under 10 minutes) and can be used to create your own home workouts.

POPSUGAR FITNESS

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit
The excuses are over! Popular fitness channel Popsugar Fitness offers total body workouts that are quick and effective for the time poor. Every single workout will challenge your entire body and will include elements of cardio, strength, and core conditioning.

Bodyrock.tv

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975
Bodyrock.tv is one of the forerunners in online exercise videos. This popular health and exercise blog is dedicated to weight loss, fitness, beauty, and food. Find daily at-home workouts that are laid out with descriptions and pictures or in video format. All of the online workouts can be done with minimal equipment.

Body Project

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjc9H89-RpWuIStDqhO7AQ
The Body Project specializes in high-intensity fat-burning workouts that can be done from home. Their workouts have some creative moves that are fun and effective. The low-impact cardio workout is a great place to start.

LA’s Best Comedy Clubs

April is National Humor Month, but here in LA we can have a good laugh all year round. With famed comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory or the Comedy Store, there is no shortage of humor. So have a laugh today or any day of the week with our round-up below of LA’s best Comedy Clubs!

The Comedy Store

Location: 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

The Store was started by comedian Sammy Shore and his wife Mitzi, parents of Pauly Shore. At the original location on the Sunset Strip, the Belly and Main rooms feature lesser-known talents, while the Original Room hosts frequent visits from nationally recognized comedians. Many famous faces have graced the stage at The Store – Dave Chappelle, Chelsea Peretti, Gallagher, Judy Tenuta, Andrew Dice Clay, Leslie Jones, Andy Kaufman, and Chris Rock, just to name a few. As if your night couldn’t get any happier, they even offer discounted parking, which is virtually unheard of on the Strip.

Click here for more information.

The Groundlings

Location: 7307 Melrose Ave., Fairfax, CA, USA 

The Groundlings is an improv school and theater that boasts a trove of famous alums like Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, John Goodman, and Jim Rash – the list goes on. They offer totally improvised shows as well as sketches that have been practiced and perfected. Audience participation is integral to improv, so get ready to interact! But if that’s not your thing, hit up a Sunday show, where you simply kick back, relax, and laugh your face off.

Click here for more information.

 

The Hollywood Improv

Location:  8162 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove, CA, USA 

One of the many great things about The Improv is that big names drop in all the time. Any night of the week, patrons are pretty much guaranteed a stellar line up, with the possibility of someone like Louis C. K. or Dana Carvey stopping by for a set. Check it out during the week, and make sure to show up early to hang out by the bar for Happy Hour. Nothing is better than half-priced drinks and a night of laughs.

Click here for more information.

The Laugh Factory

Location: 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

Los Angeles comedy and The Laugh Factory are synonymous with each other. An appearance by a vet comedian can be guaranteed on the bill almost any night of the week. Rest assured, the rotation of regular local comedians is sure to leave you breathless in your seats. Speaking of seats, they’re all pretty close to the stage, making it easy for comics to include the audience in their acts.

Click here for more information.

The Second City Hollywood

Location: 6560 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA, USA 

Alan Alda, Dan Aykroyd, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Keegan-Michael Key have all graced the stage at the Second City Hollywood, the L.A. spin-off of the original Chicago comedy team. Known best for their classes, SC Hollywood also offers structured and improv comedy shows. What makes them unique is their focus on creating a theater experience, whether it be improv, sketch, or even musicals.

Click here for more information.

The Upright Citizens Brigade-Hollywood

Location: 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA, USA

UCB holds up as one of the best places to see improv and sketch in Los Angeles. Like many other clubs on this list, this place has spawned talents that have gone on to join shows like SNLThe Daily Show, and Parks & Rec. UCB puts no limit on who can enjoy a show there as all ages are welcome. Every member of the family can enjoy a show for less than $10 per person.

Click here for more information.