Category: fun

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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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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. 

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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.

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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 SNL, The 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.

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LA Eats of the Week: Game Day Bites

While you can always opt for a “Dodger Dog” at the stadium, sometimes game day has you craving a bit more. No fear, your local expert is here! We’ve rounded up the top rated foodie spots near Dodger Stadium so you won’t have to! Don’t waste time searching for where to grab a bite. Use our guide to sort through the food clutter so you can cheer on our team to World Series victory (or like as close as we can get).

Chinatown

Chimney Coffee House

Location: 1100 N. Main St., Los Angeles

Fuel up before the game at Amnaj Bholsangngam’s speciality coffeehouse. Enjoy breakfast combos like their Chimney Pancake Breakfast and Waffle Platter. The Belgian waffles are served alongside sage-black truffle pork sausage, herb roasted breakfast potatoes and a bacon-wrapped egg. Can it be game day all the time?

Burgerlords

Location: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles

A game day meal isn’t complete without something from the grill. Brothers Fred and Max Guerrero are serving up burgers steeped in tradition. Their father founded The Oinkster so naturally the siblings have found success with their grab and go window–Burgerlords. Bite into their double cheeseburger featuring thin, griddled patties crafted from chuck, brisket, and short rib. All orders come with a melted American cheese blanket, lettuce, tomato, onion, and thousand island dressing on a sponge bun.

Howlin’ Rays

Location: 727 N. Broadway #128

Howlin’ Rays started as a food truck run under the craftsmanship of chef Johnny Zone and his wife Amanda Chapman. The pair studied hot chicken straight from the source–Nashville–and it shows. Enjoy their speciality fried chicken alongside a buttered bun and cabbage slaw, pickles and spicy “comeback sauce”. If you’re catching a weekend game go for the chicken and waffles topped with Bulleitt bourbon syrup. Need we say more?

Echo Park

Ostrich Farm

Location: 1525 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Ostrich Farm dishes out as your gourmet option for an early dinner or weekend brunch before the game. The menu frequently changes but features starters like salt cod croquettes or chicken liver mousse. Afterwards you can move onto entrees like the wild mushroom risotto and grilled Pacific salmon. If you arrive on the earlier side of the day your brunch options range between smashed egg with feta or smoked salmon tartine.

Brite Spot

Location: 1918 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Brite Spot has been an Echo Park favorite since 1949 with a makeover courtesy of former owner Dana Hollister in 2013. Now under new ownership, Brite Spot features new dishes sure to add some shine to your day. Menu options include the Fried Green Tomato Benedict and the Southern Decadence (buttermilk biscuit, fried chicken, bacon cheddar, pork sausage gravy, sunny side up egg and home fries).

Guisados

Location: 1261 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

The renowned eatery is known for their homestyle braises served on handmade corn tortillas made to order from fresh ground masa. The menu includes steak picado, mole poblano, tinga de pollo and chorizo to name a few. If you can’t decide on which to try, their sampler plate features six mini-tacos you can mix and match.

Silver Lake

Alimento

Location: 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles

Inspired by Italy’s regional traditions, Alimento breaks the mold of not strictly adhering to them. Chef-owner Zach Pollack’s menu consist of small plates, pastas and large platters for sharing. For an Italian take on the Dodger Dog is their “Pig in a Blanket” made with mortadella, spelt pastry , brovada and stracchino.

Night + Market Song

Location: 3322 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

A major hit in West Hollywood, the Silver Lake edition of Night + Market also delivers. Chef Yenbamroong’s adventurous northern Thai street food is served sharing style alongside sticky or coconut rice. Dine on gaeng khua pak boong (southern style coconut curry) or khao soi neua-mae sai (curried noodles with braised hanger steak).

MH ZH

Location: 3536 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

A newer entry in L.A.’s thriving Middle Eastern culinary scene is Mh Zh (pronounced mah zay). The reasonably priced menu offers hot and cold options that showcase uniquely plated vegetable-driven choices. Enjoy dishes like the branzino alongside potato with charred lemon and greens in tarragon butter. For a dish on the cooler side Bub & Grandma’s Bread with herb techina pairs perfectly to their grilled beet and hazelnuts.

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Weekend Events: March 29-31

With all of the hustle and bustle in Los Angeles, narrowing down your weekend activities can be more of a jam than traffic on the 405. Thats why at Rodeo Realty, we sort through the event clutter to provide you the top choices. So add some spring to your step as you dive into LA’s best weekend events happening this Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31st!

Discover your inner Angeleno

Friday, March 29

LA Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks(Friday Night Fireworks)

Location: Dodger Stadium

The Dodger’s new season officially kicked off this week and with that a line-up of home run game-day events. Enjoy a Fireworks spectacular as you cheer on the Dodgers to victory this Friday. Read through our Out & About: Dodgers Game Day Guide for how to spend your day at the old ball game!

Click here for more info.

Maren Morris- GIRL The World Tour

Location: The Wiltern

Watch country music’s newest star Maren Morris take the stage at The Wiltern this weekend only. After rounding out a worldwide tour as Taylor Swifts special guest, Morris leads her first solo World Tour. Cassadee Pope is also in the lineup as Morris’s special guest.

Click here for more info.

7th annual Latin Food Fest

Location: LA State Historic Park

The 7th Annual Latin Food Fest returns to LA Historic State Park to celebrate hispanic culinary excellence. Don’t miss Fridays kick-off party “Chefs Night out” where you’ll enjoy cocktails, music, a silent auction and raffle to attend Saturdays “Gran Tasting”.

Click here for more information.

Saturday, March 30

Grease: 50’s Prom presented by Street Food Cinema

Location: Million Dollar Theatre

Grease is the word this Saturday at the Million Dollar Theatre. Hand Jive your way downtown for a 50’s Prom themed screening of the Hollywood classic with special guest and Pink Lady Jamie Donnelly in attendance. The event will feature food from the Grand Central Market, speciality cocktails, prom photo booth, DJ and more!

Click here for more info.

Native American Festival

Location: Shoreline Village

Native American Festival comes to Long Beach this Saturday for it is annual family friendly celebration. The festival will include live performances, dream catcher making for kids, artist exhibits and other activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information.

Half The Story: Self Portrait Workshop

Location: LAMAG, Los Angeles

“A picture is only ever half the story”. Join LAMAG, David Alekhuogie and Mariah Garnett as they create a mixed media self-portrait of your personality, talents and experience. The programming supports the solo exhibitions of both artists focusing on the various perceptions of the self through photography.

Click here for more info. 

Sunday, March 31st

Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival

Location: Columbia Park, Torrance

Spring bloom is everywhere-meaning it’s cherry blossom season! The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival takes place this Sunday. Don’t miss an array of crafts and fun centered around the blooming cherry blossom. The event will also feature delicious cuisine, performances and activities like origami making.

Click here for more info.

Pasadena Festival of Tea

Location: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

It’s Festival season! No not the palm springs party kind, we’re talking about the cultural line up closer to home. Pasadena Festival of Tea returns for their third annual celebration of tea and garden lovers alike. Local vendors will be serving up tastings alongside tea ceremony demonstrations, artists exhibits and a tea marketplace of course.

Click here for more info.

8th Annual European Car Show

Location: Petersen Automotive Museum

The 8th Annual European Car Show drives into the Petersen Automotive Museum this Sunday. Presented by California Car Cover, dub-nation Events and HRE Wheels is an amazing lineup of cars, raffle prizes and more. The show is open to all European automobiles new and old.

Click here for more info.

 

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LA Eats: March Madness Sports Bars Edition

March is many things. Spring…Leprechauns…and for sports fans March Madness. With the highlight of College Basketball Season kicking off and our brackets breaking down potential winners one question remains. Where does one watch the big game? Read below for LA’s best sports bars to cheer on your team because this round-up is a guaranteed 3-pointer!

Clearman’s Galley

Location: San Gabriel, CA

San Gabriel bar and restaurant Clearman’s Galley is not only offering tons of TVs for catching all the March Madness action, they’re also doing a bracket that customers themselves can enter, with the winner earning a $200 gift certificate to the restaurant.

Rocco’s Tavern

Location: Pasadena, CA

With locations from Westwood to Pasadena, Rocco’s Tavern is obviously doing something right. The Green Street location in Pasadena is small but mighty, and for March Madness is doing limited happy hour deals starting at 9 a.m. Thursday for the early games.

Mr. Furley’s Bar

Location: Glendale, CA

Inexpensive cocktails, comfort food, and lots of TVs make Mr. Furley’s a natural place to catch all the college basketball action in Glendale.

Barney’s Beanery Burbank

Location: Burbank, CA

Barney’s Beanery is a staple mini-chain across Southern California. The places are always bustling with sports fans and casual drinkers just in for a nightcap, and the hearty familiar fare keeps everyone happy.

Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Common Space is one of the more talked-about breweries in Southern California right now. The casual Hawthorne warehouse space is kitted out with lounge seating, communal tables, and a few well-placed TVs for catching the action. Everyone loves the beer too, of course.

The Fields LA

Location: Los Angeles, CA

There may be no better place to catch the NCAA tournament action than at the Fields, attached to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium just southeast of Downtown. With multiple vendors to choose from, loads of TVs, and the upstairs Free Play restaurant from Tim Hollingsworth, this place has it all.

Hi Tops

Location: West Hollywood, CA

San Francisco export Hi Tops is now in West Hollywood, turning on the TVs for big night games and offering a variety of cocktails and beers in addition to some pretty awesome nachos.

Bludso’s Bar & Que

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Bludso’s is a must for any sports fans. The casual spot for brisket, sausage links, and drinks is wall-to-wall with televisions, and it’s not uncommon to find fans of different teams crowded together around the same tables, yelling at the action on the screens.

Busby’s West

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Busby’s is synonymous with Westside sports watching. The anchor bar has for many years seen fans come to cheer on their squad, especially during the busy March Madness tournament.

Beer Belly Long Beach

Location: Long Beach

Long Beach has really embraced the second location of Beer Belly. The popular comfort food and craft beer corner spot isn’t as rowdy as some other local hangs for watching the games, but the menu and design still make this place a must for locals looking to watch some college basketball.

 

Courtesy of: Eater LA
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Out and About: Spring Bloom in SoCal

If you don’t know from the crazy amount of butterflies migrating through the city last week, spring is in bloom. With such is the arrival of California’s Wild Flowers. A site to see for those visiting the sunnier side of Cali, the wild flowers are experiencing a Super-Bloom this year.  An event not to be missed as this only occurs every 10-15 years. If you’re looking for the best way to really ring in the floral season, we have the City-Guide for you. Get some instagram-able photos and spend some time Out and About with Spring in SoCal.

From Arcata to San Diego the state flower is in full bloom and so is our guide of where to find them.

Death Valley National Park

Here is where you will find the full super bloom experience. The Mojave Desert is home to the wildflower event, although this years scarce rains did not result in its usual bloom, it’s still a sight to see.

Joshua Tree National Park

While in Death Valley, you can make your way to Joshua Tree which happens to be part of the Mojave. Blooms have already started here near the park’s south entrance and are expected to last longer thanks to cool temperatures.

Channel Islands National Park

These five islands that make up the park 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara coastline have a bounty of unique wildflower offerings. On Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and San Miguel islands, yellow coreopsis began blooming in January and will last through the month. The flowers are endemic to the Channel Islands but only found now on Santa Rosa Island.

Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area

In late March, the flanks of this summit (50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara) and nearby Grass Mountain begin bursting with a range of wildflowers. Hyacinth, shooting stars, buttercups, milkmaids, Johnny-jump-ups and poppies are just a few of the many flowers found here.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

At this nearly 1,800-acre reserve about 75 miles north of Los Angeles, are rolling hills blanketed in poppies. The season for these hillside foliage’s begins in April, lasting through early May. While the poppies are the showstopper here, keep your eye out for other wildflowers like California Aster and blue lupine. Since this area received several more inches of rain then usual in 2019, a super bloom is expected here too.

Pinnacles National Park

Around 8-miles south of San Jose is Pinnacles National Park. The wildflowers here can be seen in March, showing most in May. Depending on rainfall and temperature one would find a mix of milkmaids, shooting stars bush poppies and orchids.

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Out and About: Catalina Island Edition

From flying fish to laid-back luaus, here are our picks of the best things to do on Santa Catalina Island

Once a getaway for Hollywood elites to escape from paparazzi, Catalina Island has in recent decades become more of a not-so-secret treasure for everyday Angelenos and visitors looking for a simple, relaxing vacation. Cars are few and far-between on the island, and just about everything is either walking distance or a short golf-cart-taxi-ride away; whether you’re shooting for a family vibe, an outdoor-sports experience or a party-heavy hang, Catalina’s got something for everyone in both its port town of Avalon and out into the wild island interior. Here are the best things to do no matter your vibe once you hop off the hour-long boat ride from the mainland.

Flying Fish Voyage

Flying Fish Voyage

What is it: One of the only opportunities you’ll ever have to watch fish fly. Seriously.

Why go: For nearly a century, Catalina’s flying fish boat has been wowing visitors with a surreal experience that seems culled from a dreamworld. Every night over the summer, the crew lures Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus (otherwise known as flying fish) out of the water for not-quite-actual-flying-but-it-sure-looks-like-it glides up to 100 feet. Bring a jacket—it can get chilly —and keep your eyes out: the fish often end up landing inside the boat.

Wrigley Memorial and Gardens

Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens

What is it: A beautiful ode to the island’s famous founding father.

Why go: William Wrigley, Jr (yes, the gum guy) is responsible for the development of Catalina. So of course the garden and memorial that carries his name is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. It’s a moderate hike from the beach (you can also get up to it by renting a bike, or via golf cart—more on that in a bit). Once there you’ll be immersed in a 37-acre botanical garden focused on plants endemic to California and the Channel Islands. See breathtaking views from the tower overlook built from quarried rocks culled from the island itself.

catalina casino

The Catalina Casino

What is it: Not a gambling hall—rather, it’s a palatial special-events venue complete with a beautiful art-deco movie theater.

Why go: The sort-of-Roman-looking Catalina Casino is the most iconic building on the island, with walls full of stories. Steeped in over 90 years of history, your able to learn more about Catalina Casino on three different walking tours. If a tour’s not your thing, it’s still worth going to a movie there (first-run films show nightly at 7:30pm). The art deco theater is gorgeous, and there’s often pre-show music played through its 1920s-era organ.

Luau Larry’s

Luau Larry’s

What is it: A classic burger-and-drinks shack—with the best fries you’ll ever have.

Why go: First time visitors to Catalina can’t help but notice slews of tourists sporting straw hats. It’s because they’ve all had the Wiki Wack at Luau Larry’s. The fun signature cocktail comes with one of the ubiquitous headpieces. Grease the drink down with their curly fries, which are always perfectly crispy, and seasoned with—well, it’s a secret, but it’s gotta be magic, whatever it is. The burgers aren’t bad, and there are often live-music singalongs at night.

Descanso Beach Club

Descanso Beach Club

What is it: The ‘fancy’ beach on the island, with cabanas, booze and more.

Why go: You can set a blanket on Avalon’s main beaches for free if you’d like. But it’s worth taking a walk just past the Casino to Descanso. Here they offer rentable chaise lounges and cabanas. They’re also the only place on the island you can enjoy alcoholic beverages(for all you rose drinkers). There are also rentable paddleboards, snorkel sets and kayaks, and, over the summer, DJs and live bands on weekends.

Golf cart rental

Golf cart rental

What is it: The best way to see a large percentage of the island—and get a great view.

Why go: Sure, you could spend all your time on Catalina in town in Avalon. But if you want to explore more of the island, the best way is via golf cart. In about two hours you can see beautiful views, check out some of the historical structures and explore hidden spots.

Zipe Line Eco Tour

Eco Zip Line

What is it: A high-intensity aerial experience.

Why go: High-octane adventure seekers should seek out two Catalina experiences: the Ocean Runner boat tour, which blasts through the water at high-speeds on a ribcraft boat, and this high-flying tour, which descends over five ziplines, 600 feet above Descanso, from a unique vantage point to learn about the island’s unusual ecosystem if you’re not just in it for the thrills.

hiking

Hiking trails

What is it: An outdoorsperson’s prime reason to visit.

Why go: Catalina’s inland is covered with hiking trails and camping spots. With over 165 miles of trails to explore, you’ll have options ranging from easy to expert. Obviously, it’s a way to get closer with nature: the island’s host to tons of interesting plants and animals. These include tiny Island foxes and imposing buffalo! With some luck, on an inland hike, you may see a herd peacefully grazing.

Catalina Room Escape

Catalina Room Escape

What is it: Avalon’s newest family-friendly activity.

Why go: Just opened in 2018, the island’s only escape room (pirate-themed, naturally). It is a challenging and fun way to spend an hour if you have one to spare. Just keep in mind: duck, and then look up. We didn’t, and needed to ask for a hint. You’re welcome.

Marlin Club

Bar-hopping

What is it: A time-honored nighttime tradition.

Why go: There’s not a ton of nightlife on Catalina, which can become part of the appeal of a visit. Stop by for karaoke at El Galleon, venturing later in the night to the Marlin, before hitting the dance floor at Club Chi-Chi. Then end the evening with a final nightcap at the Locker Room. The next night? Repeat.

Mt. Ada

Mt. Ada

What is it: William Wrigley Jr’s old mansion—and your fancy lunch spot.

Why go: Mt. Ada, once William Wrigley Jr.’s mansion, and now the fanciest hotel on the island, is also an ideal dining spot. It’s only open for lunch, with a three-course menu that’s not exactly formal, but does have an air of classiness.

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