Category: Los Angeles

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LA Weekend Events: February 21 – February 23

Whether you’re in a mood for stand-up from some of the hottest comedians around or hoping to get your game on (or simply hoping to watch someone else get their game on), there is no shortage of events to check out this weekend in Los Angeles and the Westside.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Jo Koy

The Forum 3900 W Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA

Comedian Jo Koy, who has cultivated a following thanks to his frequent appearances on The Adam Corolla Show, brings his stand-up act to The Forum. The comic, whose real name is Joseph Glenn Herber, premiered his latest comedy special, Jo Koy: Comin’ in Hot, last June on Netflix. For ticket information and details, go HERE

Blue13 Dance Company

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Acclaimed for energetic performances that mix hip-hop, ballet, modern and traditional Indian dance, Blue13 Dance Company showcases its theatrical contemporary style in the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ Bram Goldsmith Theater. The program includes the world premiere of Terpsichore In Ghungroos. For tickets, go HERE

Saturday, February 22,

DreamHack Anaheim 2020 

Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA

DreamHack hosts the Madden 20 tournament, open to any competitor over the age of 16 with prizes totaling $25,000. The 24 hour-a-day festival weekend promises to be crammed with pro e-sports tournaments, cosplay contests, live music, film screenings, panel discussions, workshops and keynote speakers. For more details, go HERE

Hannah Gadsby

The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90015

The Australian comedian, writer and actress had been touring for more than a decade when her 2018 Netflix special, Nanette, introduced her to new international audiences. Now she’s bringing her new show, Douglas, to Los Angeles. Note that this is a phone-free experience. For more details about the performance, go HERE

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Museum of Selfies

6757 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028

No, it’s not only about you. Museum of Selfies is a fresh, immersive, interactive exhibit in Los Angeles, promising to bend your mind – and your definition of what a selfie can be. That might mean plunging into a gold bath, getting turned upside-down (literally) or relaxing in an emoji pool. For more details about the museum, go HERE

Curator Walk-through of Paul McCarthy: Head Space, Drawings 1963–2019 

Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Chief curator Connie Butler and curator Aram Moshayedi lead a walk-through of this exhibition of drawings and works on paper by Los Angeles-based artist Paul McCarthy. Currently showing until May, the exhibit highlights 600 works on paper selected from McCarthy’s archive. Mediums and materials range from charcoal and graphite to ketchup and peanut butter. For more information, go HERE.

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Los Angeles & Westside Eats: Pasta

Here’s the skinny on carb-conscious Los Angeles: the pasta is plentiful. Take that, Keto diet. From traditional dishes to fresh pasta to the flavorful spooning of Italian classics with Southern California produce and protein, locals have no shortage of eating options when they’re in the mood for a little (or a lot of) Italian. Here are some of the best.

Rossoblu

City Market South, 1124 San Julian Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Chef Steve Samson celebrates the summers he spent growing up in Northern Italy’s Bologna region with this Fashion District destination. The place is even named after Bologna’s soccer team. Not surprisingly then, the menu is as hearty as it is heartfelt, as personal as it is plentiful. Favorites include the tortellini in brodo (pasta stuffed with pork, chicken, mortadella, prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano), the pappardelle (duck ragu, complemented by pistachio) and Mom’s minestra nel sacco, in which parmigiano reggiano dumplings in a bag are dropped into broth.

Union Restaurant

37 Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

Located in the center of Old Town Pasadena, Union is an Italian restaurant and wine bar aiming for a menu that balances Italian country charm with Californian culinary elegance. It’s hard to argue with the results. After sampling an array of appetizers (from the pork meatballs to the charred octopus), dive into what you really came for: the pastas. The squid ink lumachel offers loads of Maine lobster, with fennel, lemon, and truffle butter, while the torchetti arrives with Calabrese pork ragu, ricotta, rosemary and a chili oil chef Chris Keyser calls “pizza grease.”

Alimento

1710 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Zach Pollack’s Silver Lake restaurant doesn’t announce itself as one of the best places to dine in Los Angeles. Content to appear more like a neighborhood eatery than a high-end culinary destination, it’s nonetheless worth seeking out, regardless of whether you call Silver Lake home or not. As for what to order, two pastas are recurring standouts: the fusilli, splendid with clams and smoked butter; and the cheese-filled Tortellini In Brodo.

Viale dei Romani

623 N La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Located in West Hollywood’s Kimpton La Peer Hotel, Viale Dei Romani thinks big. That’s evident in the size of their pastas, the plentifulness of their meats. But it’s also there in print when their menu declares that their Pasta Alla Piastra features “the world’s best Bolognese.” Whether that’s accurate or not, you can decide for yourself, although it is probably unlike any Bolognese you’ve had before.

Angelini Osteria

7313 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Since its opening in 2001, this Italian restaurant in Beverly Grove has become a cornerstone of classic dining in Los Angeles. If you know it, you also know their most celebrated dish: Lasagna Verde. But there is also much more to Angelini Osteria than simply this (admittedly flavorful) lasagna. The Veal Shank Agnolotti with White Truffles, for one, is delicious, although whether it’s worth the $90 price, we will leave for you to decide. As well, be sure to try the Linguine with Sea Urchin if you have the chance.

Felix

1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

For chef Evan Funke, pasta is a sacred experience. That’s apparent as soon as you step into this climate-controlled space, where diners at any table can watch their meals scrupulously toiled over. The spiraled trofie is a favorite among pastas, served with basil pesto and cheese. Don’t skimp on the Sfincione, some of the most delirious out-of-body bread you will ever bite into.

 

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Home Tips: Creating a Remote Home Office

There’s more to remote work than just not wearing pants to the office. A truly effective work station, wherever it’s located, requires planning and consideration. In addition to the obvious organizational requirements (do you have enough chargers?) — Here are six tips to help you build a workspace that will maintain your health, focus and, especially, your 12-second commute. Regrettably, it’s slightly more complicated than putting your feet up on the coffee table while your favorite game show plays in the background. (Pants remain optional). 

 

RESPECT THE ERGONOMICS

It’s like your parents and teachers always told you: sit up straight. Bad posture can strain your neck and back, leading to headaches and other chronic issues. So when you set up your home office, make sure it includes an ergonomic chair designed for lumbar support. It won’t only help your body, but it will boost your productivity (by close to 20%, according to some studies). And don’t stop with the chair either. Look for the right keyboard and mouse. Just because you aren’t working at a traditional office doesn’t mean Carpal Tunnel Syndrome won’t follow you home.

BRING THE MUSIC

Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones may not be welcome in most offices, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid cranking music at home. In fact, studies have shown people who worked while listening to music were more productive than workers who toiled away in silence. The genre of music is a personal choice, of course, but studies have revealed that classical music, ambient soundtracks and nature music are the most beneficial.

REMEMBER TO STRETCH

One of the downsides of remote work is that, with no one to talk to, there’s not much reason to get up and move around. On the flip side, there’s also no one to watch you pose like a tree on your yoga mat. Another good thing about working remotely: if you want to attempt some yoga, there are video tutorials online you can watch and learn from – in complete privacy.

EMBRACE THE DESK

Whether you’re at home or in a traditional office, you will be sitting at your desk for several hours every day. The difference is: you can choose your desk at home. Beware of too much clutter and keep it clean, but otherwise, find a desk you adore and personalize it with prized possessions, professional accolades and items with sentimental value. For a time, standing desks were hyped as a healthy alternative to sitting all day, but more recent studies have suggested extended periods of standing can create their own health (and productivity) issues.

BOOST YOUR POWER

If life is too short to wait for your decade-old computer to boot up, so is your workday. There is nothing like upgrading your Mac or PC to current specs to make you feel like a high-powered professional. Of course, whatever top-of-the-line machine you choose should suit your daily tasks, whether you’re coding or editing video. And while you are focusing on horsepower, don’t forget to treat yourself with a monitor to match. Your eyes will thank you for it.

GO GREEN

If you’re reluctant to add plants to your work environment because they require too much care, give a low-maintenance succulent, cactus or fig tree a chance. If they survive, you can branch out from there. The benefits of greening your home (office or otherwise) are well-documented: they naturally cleanse the air, relieve stress and even boost productivity.

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Rodeo News: Lou Woolf Receives Congressional Recognition

Sherman Oaks agent, Lou Woolf, was awarded a certificate of special congressional recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Brad Sherman, the current Congressman, bestowed this award upon Lou at the Attic in Sherman Oaks. The city District 4 Councilman, David Ryu, swore Lou Woolf in as a returning board member of the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce.

Lou currently serves on many boards and congregations. Recently, he was attached to a street fair that had over 100,000 people in attendance!

Check out Lou’s website here to keep up with his community involvement!

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Rodeo News: Zane Grey Estate featured in LA Times and Curbed LA

Beverly Hills agent, Wayne Saks, lists the famed Zane Grey Estate in Altadena. Set against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains sits this beautiful estate.

The property is on the National Register of Historic Places as it is the former home of the famed Western novelist, Zane Grey. The property not only housed Zane, but had the architectural brilliance of Chicago’s Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey (also designed the Rose Bowl, Huntington Library, and other California landmarks).

Curbed LA highlighted that the property remained in the Grey family for decades, last trading hands in 1970. In recent years, it’s been the site of an underground farmers market as well as a popular Airbnb rental, but now it is ready to start a new chapter.

The Los Angeles Times highlighted that Zane Grey is considered one of the greatest writers in the Western Genre. Grey penned more than 90 books over the course of his career. Between 1911 and 1996, 112 films were adapted from his works.

See more photos of the listing: HERE!

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Valley Eats: Seafood

Considering we live next to the Pacific, it’s no surprise there are almost as many seafood choices in the Valley as there are fish in the ocean. From nautical-themed eateries that would do any buccaneer proud to fine dining establishments to a bounty of sushi bars, here are our picks for the top seafood restaurants you should check out. With this selection, you should have no problem finding the catch-of-the-day you desire.

Conejo Valley 

Lure Fish House

30970 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, CA

This family-owned restaurant stresses a commitment to local ingredients that extends from their seafood to their fresh produce to their wines. Start off with a grilled fish taco or the Seafood Ceviche (white gulf shrimp and rockfish ceviche in house-made salsa). Then move onto the steamed mussels, from Prince Edward Island, or charbroiled oysters.

Cajun Crab Shack

1074 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA

Whether you’re ordering the shrimp, the king crab legs or the mussels, this spot promises authentic creole and Cajun cooking. If you’re in the mood for something else that’s just as flavorful, the Mexican seafood menu features San Pedro-style shrimp fajitas, seafood nachos, Salmon a la Plancha and Mojarra Frita (fried whole tilapia).

Coconut Crab

1555 Simi Town Center Way #770, Simi Valley, CA

Located in Simi Valley Town Center, Coconut Crab specializes in Asian-themed seafood, including tacos, crawfish, and shrimp. Try one of their pan roasts, cooked in chowder and served with steamed rice, or such kitchen specials as the lobster garlic noodles or Pad Thai.

San Fernando Valley

The Drunken Crab

13350 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA

Grab a bib and dig in at this Louisiana-style crab shack when you order the shellfish “by the pound.” Less daunting? The crab cake minis or the king crab bisque. In addition to their garlic, Cajun and lemon pepper sauces, Drunken Crab teases their own signature “drunken special sauce,” consisting of tomatoes, garlic, butter, beer, and spices.

Fishbone Seafood

5577 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana, CA

This fish market and restaurant serves up seafood, Southern-style. Try the grilled salmon salad to start, followed by the catfish filet (served by the pound) or the red snapper dinner, offered with your choice of two sides. Lastly, it’s difficult to go wrong with the sweet potato pie for dessert.

The Joint Eatery

13718 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA

The Joint is a coffee shop, restaurant and fish market, all-in-one. For brunch, the menu includes swordfish sliders and lobster rolls. If it’s dinner you desire, try the grilled shrimp or seared Albacore salad. Meanwhile, the seafood market offers fresh fish and shellfish.

Santa Clarita

Fish Tail Seafood Grill & Poke

28104 Newhall Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Hawaii informs their menu – from the Hawaiian Pink sea salt they wield as flavor to the ingredients they have shipped from the Aloha state. With nine poke bowls to pick from, each is prepared in a traditional style and served with a quarter-pound of either fresh ahi tuna or salmon. The non-poke selections (although can you ever have enough poke?) include grilled mahi-mahi fish tacos and Chilean sea bass.

Crab Mentality

19385 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

A casual restaurant serving fresh seafood with Cajun sauces, they offer seafood by the pound – from crabs, lobsters and mussels to jumbo shrimps, king crab legs and oysters. Or you can tackle the Fisherman’s Bounty, which includes one pound of shrimp, mussel clams and a half-pound of crab legs, complete with potatoes, sausage, and corn.

Greater Pacific

Valencia Hyatt Regency, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, CA

Located at the Valencia Hyatt, Greater Pacific’s “sea-to-table” menu includes rolls (a “rainbow roll” consists of tuna, salmon, crab, Hamachi and avocado), Carpaccio (with your choice of seared tuna, seared Albacore, yellowtail or charred salmon) and such dishes as the Black Tiger Shrimp Amatriciana with house pancetta, caramelized onions and balsamic.

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Valley Weekend Events: February 7th – 9th

Wishing you were here or just comfortably numb? How about some cosplay and a graphic novel? That’s some of what is happening this weekend in the Conejo Valley, whether you’re up for a pop culture blow-out or just settling in with a good book.

Conejo Valley

FRIDAY, february 7th, 2020

The Pink Floyd Concert Experience

LOCATION: Civic Arts Plaza Theatres, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

Travel to the dark side of the moon as Pink Floyd Sound celebrates the iconic group live in concert. Audience members can expect the band’s entire discography to be touched upon, including such classics as Money, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. For more information about this event taking place at the Fred Kavli Theatre, go HERE.

saturDAY, february 8th, 2020

Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library Open House

LOCATION: Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks

The non-profit Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library marks National Library Lovers’ Month with a free open house at the Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library. The group works to provide library users with support services and programs. Expect activities for children, a story hour with service dogs and guest speakers at the open house. For more information, go HERE.

McCrea Ranch Matinee and Tour

LOCATION: McCrea Ranch, 4500 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks

Come for the matinee, stay for the tour. The Conejo Community Center/Outdoor Unit is screening the 1935 romance Becky Sharp at the McCrea Ranch Visitors Center. Following the movie, attendees will be guided through the Bunk House, Milk House, and Shop Area, all of which are on the National Registry of Historic Places. For more information, go HERE.

sunDAY, february 9th, 2020

Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest 2020

LOCATION: Grand Vista Hotel: 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley

The Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest has arrived. Or as they say in Klingon, “Maj!” In addition to a vendor and exhibitor hall, this pop culture celebration will feature an Artist Alley, gaming room, cosplay contest and guests including The Simpsons artist Phil Ortiz and the voice of Winnie the Pooh, Jim Cummings. Find out more HERE.

Black History Month Movie Matinees

LOCATION: Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Rd., Ventura

Every Sunday in February, Hill Road Library presents Black History Month Matinees. The four films highlight different eras and aspects of black history in America. The event is open to the public. For more information, go HERE.

San Fernando Valley

Whether you want to sharpen your business acumen, have a laugh at a comedy club or sit down with the whole family to enjoy some children’s musical entertainment, there is plenty going on this weekend in the San Fernando Valley.

Friday, february 7th, 2020

The 5th Annual City Summit

LOCATION: Burbank Convention Center, 2500 N. Hollywood Way

Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec and Johnny Depp are among the expected guests at this three-day-long event, devoted to networking, investing and entrepreneurism. Depp will be on hand Sunday, following the Oscars, for a red-carpet charity fundraiser. Past speakers and guests have included Quincy Jones, Charlize Theron, Richard Branson and Matthew McConaughey. For details, go HERE.

Saturday, february 8th, 2020

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical

LOCATION: Cupcake Theater, 671 N. Berendo St., Los Angeles

It’s a tale as old as time. The Cupcake Theater adapts the stage production of Disney’s animated (and later, live-action) Beauty and the Beast. Music by Oscar winner Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. To learn more go HERE.

Craig Robinson

LOCATION: Flappers Comedy Club – Main Room, 102 East Magnolia, Burbank

Long before he got into a time-travelling hot tub, Craig Robinson was a stand-up comic – an arena he never really left, even as his career in front of the camera took off. Now Robinson, who is probably best-recognized as Darryl in The Office and from such films as Knocked Up, This is the End and the aforementioned Hot Tub Time Machine, brings his comedic chops act to the Flappers stage. For tickets and details, go HERE.

sunday, february 9th, 2020

Circus Vargas – Mr. V’s Big Top Dream

LOCATION: Circus Vargas Burbank, 777 N. Front St

The gravity-defying feats and acrobatics featured in Mr. V’s Big Top Dream are sure to dazzle young and old alike. But before the show, kids will also get the chance to be taught a few tricks of the circus trade. For more information go HERE.

A Faery Hunt Valentine Fairy Tea Party

LOCATION: Tarzana Community & Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Blvd

A live interactive children’s show named “Best Children’s Theater in Los Angeles” by Nickelodeon, Faery Hunt is hosting a Fairy Tea Party. Expect English sandwiches, shortbread cookies and “fairy tea.” And while you are at it, why not unleash your inner prince or princess and dress appropriately for the event? Find out all the details HERE.

Santa Clarita Valley

Llama Llama comes to the stage – but did he bring Mama? One of country music’s rising new stars drops in for a show at The Canyon. And if you’ve ever considered hopping on a Harley, this weekend may present the perfect excuse to do just that. Check out these as well as what else is on tap in Santa Clarita this weekend.

friday, february 7th, 2020

Comedy Mashup

LOCATION: The MAIN, 24266 Main St.

Amir K, whose credits include Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party and MADtv, headlines this show by Comedy Mashup. The troupe is comprised of local comics and improv artists who put on a monthly show that combines stand-up and improv. For more details, go HERE.

Saturday, february 8th, 2020

The First Annual Demo Days at HDSC

LOCATION: Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita, 21130 Center Pointe Pkwy.

Get ready to ride. Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita is showing off its 2020 line-up by inviting enthusiasts and the Harley-curious alike to try out their latest motorcycles – from the Lowrider S to the 2020 Fat Bob. Kids will also have the chance to demo a STACYC Electric Bicycle. Riding times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, go HERE.

The Pat Benatar Experience

LOCATION: The Canyon – Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351

Hit them with your best shot. The Pat Benatar Experience promises (in the dark) a concert performance sure to get fans all fired up. As the members of the Experience underscore, they are veteran musicians in their own right, having performed with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Nicks, Aerosmith and Whitesnake. For details, go HERE.

Sunday, february 9th, 2020

Llama Llama Live!

LOCATION: Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd

If you have kids, you probably need no introduction to Llama Llama, which is now in its second season on Netflix. Like the series, this musical based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney, centers on Baby Llama and Mama Llama (voiced in the streaming series by Jennifer Garner). When Baby is ready to fall asleep, will he get his bedtime story and a kiss goodnight from Mama? For tickets and details, go HERE.

Jerrod Niemann

LOCATION: The Canyon – Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351

Having toured with the likes of Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann is one of country music’s rising stars. His hits include Lover, Lover, Drink To That All Night and Only God Could Love You More. For ticket information, go HERE.

 

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Los Angeles Weekend Events: Feb 7th – 9th

Ready to get in the mood for Oscar weekend? Head to the historic Roosevelt hotel to watch the ceremony live or take a tour around Quentin Tarantino’s 1960s vision of Hollywood. Or if the Academy Awards don’t appeal to you, consider taking in a play in Santa Monica or a cutting-edge art show in downtown L.A. Here’s our rundown of what’s happening this weekend in Los Angeles and the Westside.

FRIDAY, february 7th, 2020

Los Angeles Art Show

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

With Los Angeles on the rise as a global player in the art world, the L.A. Art Show promises a senses-bending, multi-cultural experience with more than 120 galleries from around the world. Cutting-edge exhibitions range from painting, sculpture and photography to fashion, design and video, displayed across more than 200,000 square feet of space. All the works presented here by galleries are available to be purchased. For more information on the show, go HERE.

Saturday, february 8th, 2020

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tour

LOCATION: Pacific Cinerama Sunset, 6360 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

With Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood expected to stroll away with at least some Oscar gold at Sunday’s ceremony, now is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. This two-hour walking tour will guide you through the Hollywood of the film’s 1960s setting, highlighting such locations as Musso and Frank and the Vogue Theater. For details, go HERE.

DocuDay LA

LOCATION: Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills

Ahead of Sunday’s 92nd annual Academy Awards, DocuDay LA celebrates the feature and short documentaries nominated for the Oscars. Screenings run all day long, with each followed by a chance for audience members to engage with the filmmakers. For more information, go HERE.

Sunday, february 9th, 2020

Oscar Viewing Party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

LOCATION:  Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles

What better place to watch the Academy Awards than the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the first Oscars took place in 1929? The viewing party, which includes an open bar and four-course menu, is followed immediately by the after-party at Teddy’s featuring DJ Rick Trainor. And be sure to check out Tim Davis with the Jazz Symposium 19-piece Orchestra in the Roosevelt’s lobby. Find the details HERE.

Love in Bloom

LOCATION: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4 St., Santa Monica

Santa Monica Playhouse presents this critically-acclaimed tribute to Shakespeare. With the cast of eight performers tackling more than 30 characters, Love in Bloom promises “fops and fairies, mistaken identity, romance, humor, and mind-boggling feats of verbal and physical legerdemain.” Find all the details HERE.

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LA Eats: Seafood

Considering we live next to the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise there are almost as many seafood choices in Los Angeles as there are fish in the ocean. From nautical-themed eateries that would do any buccaneer proud to fine dining establishments to a bounty of sushi bars, here are our picks for the top seafood restaurants you should check out. With this selection, you should have no problem finding the catch-of-the-day you desire.

Broad Street Oyster Company

23359 CA-1 Freeway #3874A, Malibu, CA

After years popping up in different locations, this L.A. favorite has settled into permanent Malibu digs. The lobster rolls, crammed with meat, are the signature dish, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, whether it’s one of the seafood towers (the “Standard” consists of a dozen oysters, chilled shrimp and live sea urchin) or such non-seafood options as the beach burger, boasting two patties of organic Niman Ranch beef.

Fishing with Dynamite

1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA

What this Manhattan Beach eatery lacks in size it makes up for in taste and style. Choose one of their “old school” dishes (New England clam chowder, black sea bass or battered cod, among them) or go “new school” (grilled octopus, Pacific rockfish ceviche or seared diver scallops, to name a few). For dessert, the key lime pie is a must.

Angler

8500 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 117, Los Angeles, CA

This restaurant prides itself on sourcing seafood from local waters, then cooking its dishes slowly in an open wood fire, per chef Joshua Skenes. From their raw bar, you can choose the big eye tuna, served with grilled tomato jelly, or the Pacific ruby fish with salted plum. Menu items fresh from the fireplace include a grilled red rockfish and a whole smoked trout, but the poached marbled flounder is not to be missed.

Son of a Gun

8370 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Drop into this eatery, located not far from the Beverly Center, for chilled or grilled peel-and-eat shrimp, linguine and clams, or the lobster BLT. For lunch, try the smoked Mahi dip with celery, radish, and crackers, the fish and chips with malt vinegar aioli, or the well-regarded shrimp toast.

L&E Oyster Bar

1637 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

You come here, naturally, for the oysters. And for romance, you can’t do much better than this cozy Silver Lake location – there’s a casual lounge upstairs while the restaurant is downstairs. But even if you’re not in the mood for oysters, the mussels on chorizo toast is a delicious alternative, as is the fried oyster po’boy. Want to skip the seafood altogether? They have a cheeseburger, with remoulade, onion jam, and bacon.

C.O.D. Restaurant

8408 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA

If you were wondering, C.O.D stands for “Catch of the Day.” Owner and executive chef Marcus Kwan’s own upbringing in a Cantonese village informs his vision: marrying the culture of China’s fishing villages with California coastal cuisine. After a crab salad or the clam chowder, move onto the Halibut Carpaccio, the Truffle Uni Pasta with green nori linguini, or the Grilled Octopus Plate with bacon, scallion, and lemon zest. For dessert, you can’t miss the creme brulee.

 

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Home Tips: Moving in Together

The advice columnist Ann Landers once noted, “All marriages are happy, it’s the living together that’s tough.” Or to quote Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!” Of course, every relationship has its own dynamics. The challenges two people face when combining lives and households are uniquely theirs. That said, here are a few general tips for when the big move-in day comes. Shockingly, they might even end up bringing you closer together.

EMBRACE THE DOWNSIZING

Just accept it: some things are going to have to go. How to make that a positive experience? First, you can involve your partner in the decision-making process. Who knows? They might agree to put some things in storage if you are super-nice about it. As for the things that have to go? Donate them to charity, where they can do some good. But don’t be a push-over either. Decide on “must-haves” that are staying, no matter what. Make your stand.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER THE CLOSET

A little inventiveness can help defuse the potential conflicts that come with a shared closet. That’s especially important in small quarters. Divide the space equally, then use such organizational hacks as boxes and riders to store your clothes.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Whether you call it a “man cave” or a “she shed,” we all need a place where we can decompress and escape the world – and everyone else in it. So plant your flag in the unfinished basement or the overgrown backyard or even in that spot by the window in the home office. Just don’t resent it when your partner tells you they want a corner to call their own, too.

MAXIMIZE SPACE

If you’re still feeling crammed after your mutual purging, deploy any number of tricks to make your living space seem more spacious than it is. These include hanging window treatments higher than the window frame, even to the ceiling. Decorate in light colors. And invest in furniture – ottomans, and benches, for example – that can double as clutter-concealing storage containers.

BUY STUFF TOGETHER

After you have both settled into your new living arrangements, take time to shop. Decide on items that appeal to both of you. Even small household items like blenders, toasters, and microwaves can define a shared personal style. For big-ticket items like appliances and living room furniture, go exploring online first before making any decision. The last thing you want to do is buy something you both (or worse, one of you) regrets later.

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