Category: Los Angeles

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Weekend Events: January 17 – 19

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We pick out the best things to do in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. Check out our weekend events list that includes concerts, culture, cuisine, and more!

Los Angeles 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Frozen (Touring)

LOCATION: Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Elsa, Olaf, and the rest of the characters living in the wintry kingdom hit the stage with more songs and thus more magic. The fanciful stage sets, hardy heroines, and inspiring musical selections will be sure to captivate you and your little ones. A confirmed hit on Broadway, the show will run in Los Angeles through February 2.  Get Tickets: HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

LOCATION: Saban Theatre

This Chinese New Year Event is divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photography exhibit, and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The show features groups from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei including Chinese acrobats, martial arts, folk dance, and Peking opera. Get Tickets: HERE

Paolo Ventura’s First Solo Exhibit in Los Angeles

LOCATION: Gallerie XII Los Angeles

“An Invented World” spans six series and the most comprehensive overview of the celebrated Italian artist’s opus on the West Coast to date, including the debut of new works. This celebratory exhibit runs from January 18 to March 14 with a public opening reception with the artist on January 18, 4PM – 7PM. Tickets: FREE!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

LOCATION: Pershing Square Park

This is the last weekend to pretend there’s snow on the ground in Downtown L.A. Go for the skate session, stay for the good eats nearby. One hour session for $9 and skate rental for $5 makes an affordable date. Get Tickets: HERE

Pasadena Comic Con

LOCATION: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena

The Pasadena Comic Con and Toy Show is a one-day superhero culture event highlighting comic book and toy vendors, artists, creators, and celebrity guests and panels. Featured artists include Rikki Simons (Invader Zim), Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh). Get Tickets: HERE

Westside 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Special Dinner Cruise – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey

Enjoy the only dineLA experience happening on a yacht! This specially priced cruise includes a four-course seated dinner, boarding glass of champagne, DJ entertainment and dancing, and cruise enhancements. To book, call 1-800-668-4322 and learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Santa Monica Symphony MLK Concert

LOCATION: SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Symphony celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring music from African American composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still, the program will include a traditional audience sing-along of “We Shall Overcome”. No tickets necessary, opening seating.

Marion Davies Guest House & Docent Tours

Explore the rich history of the Beach House with Santa Monica Conservatory docents. No charge to visit and no reservation required. Stop by any time 11am- 2pm when docents are available. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and accommodate up to 15 people.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Southern California Slack Key Festival

LOCATION: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Since 2008, the Southern California Slack Key Festival has been the largest Hawaiian music concert in the mainland US. Hawaiian ki ho’alu is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. If you’re looking to vibe to some music and explore the island marketplace, this is where you want to be. Get Tickets: HERE

Sonoma Wine Garden – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 395 Santa Monica Place Suite 300, Santa Monica

Enjoy fall menu favorites for lunch or dinner in a two-three course meal – vegan options available. For an advanced view of the menu: reservations@sonomawinegarden.com

Valley 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

American Theatre Guild Presents Finding Neverland

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks

Think happy thoughts while leaning into this timeless story brought to life. From the imagination of Tony-award winning director Diane Paulus, you’re brought enthralling visuals, irresistible songs, and laugh out loud comedy. Get Tickets: HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour

LOCATION: 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA

Barbie is on the road, celebrating her 60-year iconic heritage. Check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch and customized air-brushing only available at the truck. Registration not required.

Coffee With a Scientist

LOCATION: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

The King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center is proud to host “Coffee With…” featuring local scientists, professors, and experts. Spend an hour casually discussing social and environmental issues while tasting locally roasted coffee. Register: HERE

Sunday, January 19th, 2020

Turn Around in Burbank

LOCATION: TAG Studio Theatre

Spend the evening with the winner of the 2019 TAG Solo Festival, written and directed by Sarah Frutig. “A woman’s circular ceremonial journey of the heart […] with her father’s spirit bearing silent witness” – Get Tickets: HERE.

Annie

LOCATION: SANTA CLARITA Performing Arts Center

Set in the 1930s, starring a plucky little orphan, and featuring your favorite Annie songs: “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”. This production is sure to lighten your mood and weekend. Get Tickets: HERE

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Home Tips: Hosting a Housewarming Party

Hosting a housewarming party is a great way to bring your friends and family together for a few hours of laughing, eating, and drinking while showing them your new digs. Below are a few tips and tricks to set you up for success in hosting a housewarming extravaganza.

Figure out how much you want to spend

Before you make any decisions about your housewarming party, you need to know how much money you have to work with. Don’t feel any sort of obligation to spend big—a great housewarming party can be a totally casual affair. Most important is knowing what you’re comfortable spending, be it $50 or $500. From there, you can dive into all of the other details.

Set a reasonable date

Many people wait a few months in-between moving into their new home and throwing a housewarming party. Planning a housewarming party on a budget is all about working within parameters that you’re comfortable with. That applies to timing as much as money. Figure out a date that will give you enough time to recover financially from the move, letting go of the pressure to do it within the first month or two of settling in.

Be realistic

Party planning usually starts out with grand ideas that gradually get edited into something more reasonable. That’s totally okay! Nobody is going to come in expecting a Pinterest-worthy soiree or something out of the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Set realistic goals for your housewarming party and don’t worry about meeting some sort of idealistic, unnecessary standard.

Use washable plates and utensils

It’s always tempting with a party to go the easy route and purchase paper plates and plastic utensils, but ultimately that just ends up being a waste of money. Use your own plates, utensils, glasses, etc. instead, which will cost you in time when you eventually have to do the dishes, but won’t put a hole in your wallet. If you’re planning to have more people than kitchen items, go out and buy special hosting plastic plates and cups instead of paper, since they can be washed a reused – keep the environment in mind.

Play games

If you want to offer a little bit more in terms of entertainment, create your own free housewarming party games, like a scavenger hunt of items in the house, trivia about your town or city, the in-app game: heads up, or a scramble with words related to your new place. You can find game printable online or just make your own.

Congrats on your new home! Hopefully, these tips and tricks help keep you organized during a time a transition!

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LA Eats: Your Guide to Restaurant Month

Los Angeles Restaurant Month is an event hosted semi-annually, with over 400 participating restaurants showcasing prix-fixe dining menus to foodies and self-proclaimed food lovers, for a lower than expected dining rate. We cover places in Los Angeles, the Westside, and the Valley. Enjoy one of these premier dining destinations from our guide below, or all of them! 

Valley

Sherman Oaks 

Mistral

When: January 17 – January 31
Where: 13422 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423
Dinner Menu: $35

Having opened our doors in 1988, Mistral has consistently been recognized as among the San Fernando Valley’s best restaurants. Set within an elegant French bistro, guests are welcomed by seasoned and experienced staff members all charged with the sole purpose to provide you and your guests with an unparalleled dining experience.

Calabasas

SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa

When: January 17 – January 31
Where: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas 91302
Lunch Menu: $20 
Dinner Menu: $39

SUGARFISH was created Kazunori and Tom Nozawa and the four other founding partners of the Sushi Nozawa Group. The legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa only served traditional-style sushi (i.e. no California rolls or spicy tuna rolls). His menu was only omakase (“leave it to the chef”).

Agoura Hills

Cafe Bizou

When: January 17 – January 31
Where: 30315 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills 91301
Dinner Menu: $29

At Café Bizou, they pride themselves in providing top quality service and delicious food in a family-friendly restaurant. Café Bizou Restaurant is the perfect setting for Business Meetings and Events, Family Reunions, Birthday celebrations or Rehearsal dinners.

Burbank

Castaway

When: January 17 – January 31
Where: 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank 91501
Dinner Menu: $59

Cape Grim Steaks. Pasture Bird. Mishima Wagyu. These are some of our culinary stars. Castaway will offer seasonally-inspired cuisine with a steak-forward focus including interesting cuts from the world’s best butchers and dry-aged in our in-house aging room with a Himalayan salt wall.

Calabasas

Saddle Peak Lodge

When: January 17 – January 31
Where: 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas 91302
Dinner Menu: $59

Part roadhouse, Pony Express stop, hunting lodge, European auberge, perhaps even a hint of a bordello, Saddle Peak Lodge has been many things to many people in its long history. For 100 years—some say even more—Saddle Peak Lodge has been a place of enchantment, romance and great dining for generations of those who seek a unique experience.

Westside

Santa Monica 

Water Grill

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 90401
Lunch: $35
Dinner: $59

For over 30 years, Water Grill has sated the palates of fish lovers. From the moment it opened, this flagship downtown restaurant from King’s Seafood Company has satisfied the need for a world-class fish eatery in Los Angeles.

Playa Del Rey 

Bacari PDR

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 6805 Vista Del Mar Lane, Playa del Rey 90293
Lunch: $20
Dinner: $29

Bacari PDR is a cozy little wine bar in an oddly shaped building on the main strip of sunny Playa del Ray that serves Italian Cicchetti (similar to tapas). You will find small but filling options like a stacked shrimp, mushroom, and juice-soaked bread tower, tender glazed pork belly, cheesy mushroom pizza, a thick burger covered in molten cheese, and hot clams.

Venice

Barrique

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 796 Main Street, Venice 90291
Dinner: $59

Michelin-awarded chef Antonio Muré brings eclectic Italian cuisine to life in Barrique’s cozy, romantic atmosphere with a Venice-style wine bar and rooftop terrace. Born in Porto-palo di Capo Passero, Sicily, and growing up in Parma, Emilia Romagna, Muré graduated from the prestigious Instituto Alberghiero di stato and spent his formative years cooking in some of Italy’s most celebrated restaurants. His unique approach to Italian cooking includes a variety of seasonal Italian creations like thinly sliced pan seared Buffalo with mustard grain dressing and Portobello mushroom salad and signature dishes like home-made red beet Tagliolini pasta in a Marsala quail ragú served on a bed of Taleggio cheese fondue.

Westwood

Audrey at The Hammer

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90024
Dinner: $49

Located within the Hammer Museum in Westwood, Audrey blends elevated and soulful cooking with a contemporary Southern California feel.

Los Angeles

Beverly Hills

a.o.c

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles 90048
Lunch: $25 
Dinner: $59

After opening critically acclaimed Lucques in 1998, the duo of 3 time James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year 2018 Caroline Styne embarked on A.O.C., the area’s pioneering wine bar that first paired an indulgent list of wine by the glass with a menu of market-driven small plates.

 

Hollywood

APL Restaurant

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 1680 Vine St., Los Angeles 90028
Lunch: $20 
Dinner: $99

This restaurant is a BBQ restaurant by day & a Steakhouse by night. The restaurant is situated on the ground floor of L.A.’s first-ever high-rise, the historic Taft Building, and is a one of a kind dining experience.

Downtown

Faith & Flower

When: January 17 – 31
Where: 705 W. 9th St., Los Angeles 90015
Lunch: $35 Dinner: $49
Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, this menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine.
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Weekend Events: January 10 – January 12

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We pick out the best things to do in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. Check out our weekend events list that includes concerts, culture, sports, cuisine, and more!

Los Angeles 

Friday, January 10th, 2020

Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

location: walt disney concert hall

Conductor Zubin Mehta leads an adventurous look at German Romanticism from the lushness of the full orchestra in Wagner’s final Ring opera to the concentrated brevity of Webern’s nine-instrument concerto. This is the perfect chance to enjoy some music, and appreciate the architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Get Tickets: HERE.

Saturday, January 11th, 2020

Whitney Cummings LIVE at The Comedy Store

Location: The comedy store, sunset blvd

Known for her stand-up comedy specials for HBO and Netflix, Comedy Central Roasts, multiple television series, and films, Whitney Cummings performs live at The Comedy Store this Saturday. Get Tickets: HERE.

MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Launches Free General Admission

Location: MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art is launching its free general admission on Saturday, with a free, family-friendly celebration at both MOCA locations. There will be a shuttle running between both locations. Tickets: FREE!

SUNDAY, January 12th, 2020

Smorgasburg LA

Location: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Indulge your inner foodie and shopaholic at this weekly food-focused market. Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America. With markets in New York and Los Angeles, they attract about 50,000 people each weekend to eat from over one hundred local vendors.

East LA Art Walk 

Location: East 1st Street, Los Angeles 90063

Not to be confused with the NELA Art Walk, the East LA event includes live music and art, fed by the surrounding area restaurants and taco stands. Sponsored by the small business owners of the 1st Street Corridor. No tickets are necessary.

Westside 

Friday, January 10th, 2020

Santa Monica Restaurant Week

Location: Santa Monica, CA

To celebrate California Restaurant Month and highlight Santa Monica as an award-winning, health-conscious culinary destination, participating Santa Monica restaurants and their chefs will craft delicious, healthy, and custom dishes centered around this year’s special restaurant week ingredient – the KUMQUAT. Check out the Santa Monica Restaurant Week Restaurants: HERE.

Saturday, January 11th, 2020

USC vs. UCLA Men’s Basketball

Location: UCLA

UCLA will host crosstown rival USC in Men’s Basketball. The Bruins and Trojans are each entering this weekend’s game with 1-1 records. Game time starts at 7:00 PM (PST). Get Tickets: HERE.

Downtown Walking Tours in Santa Monica

Explore more than 130 years of Santa Monica history in approximately two hours and six blocks on a docent-led walking tour of downtown. Learn about Santa Monica from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. Get Tickets: HERE.

Sunday, January 12th, 2020

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Location: Redondo beach performing arts center 

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Head down to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center to experience this in real life! Get Tickets: HERE.

ICE at Santa Monica

Location: 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica 90401

Every holiday season Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice to our beachside community, transforming the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into the winter wonderland known as Ice at Santa Monica, an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. Get Tickets: HERE.

Valley 

Friday, January 10th, 2020

Beauty and The Beast: The Broadway Musical

location: Thousand Oaks civic arts Plaza

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been seen by over 35 million people in 13 different countries. Get Tickets: HERE.

Saturday, January 11th, 2020

Tour of Heritage Junction

Location: SAUGUS TRAIN STATION – Santa Clarita valley, ca

Inside Heritage Junction, the Saugus Train Station Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays (except holidays) from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Santa Clarita Valley.  No tickets are necessary.

Chinese New Year Festival in Monterey Park

Location: Monterey Park, ca

Ring in the Lunar New Year in the real heart of L.A.’s Chinese community at this annual two-day Monterey Park festival. This street fair takes over five blocks of Downtown Monterey Park with folk art, delectable bites and a carnival zone. The action kicks off Saturday morning with firecrackers and dragon and lion dances. No tickets are necessary.

Sunday, January 12th, 2020

Thousand Oaks Philharmonic presents Opus 56

Location: Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre

Spend the afternoon with your friends and family and enjoy some classical music at the theatre. Get Tickets: HERE.

2020 XTERRA Boney Mountain Trail Run

Location: Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa National Park

This would be race #3 of the XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series – XTERRA Boney Mountain 6k and 21k Trail Runs!  This is the Grandmother of the Series.  All courses are professionally marked, staffed with excellent happy volunteers and medics, and supplied with Aid Stations serving Gatorade, water, and energy gels and bars.Cheer on your friends as they finish, climb the podium in 5-year age group categories, eat all the Baja Fresh tacos you like, drink some Beano Vino coffee, get a VFE massage and enjoy the XTERRA racing scene.  Experience the massive backcountry on these extremely satisfying trail half marathon and 6k trail runs. Get Tickets: HERE.

 

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LA Eats: Farm to Table Restaurants

Eating sustainably grown food is more than just a fad in California. Some of the best restaurants in the state are dedicated to the idea that the highest-quality ingredients are sourced locally. Indeed, some diners specifically choose to eat at restaurants that purchase the freshest local ingredients, discovering economic, social and environmental perks. Below is a list of 10 of the most respected and acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants across the Golden State.

Los Angeles: 

Ostrich Farm – 1525 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026

Ostrich Farm is an intimate, 50-seat restaurant in Echo Park, run by husband and wife Jaime Turrey and Brooke Fruchtman. Much of the restaurant’s classic American heritage fare is cooked over a wood-fired grill and is often locally sourced, including some produce from the restaurant’s own garden.

Forage – 3823 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This family owned restaurant sources from urban growers. They collaborate with home growers and aid them in obtaining their certification with the county, taking farm-to-table to a whole new level.

Salt’s Cure – 1155 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

 

This sleek, modern spot only sources ingredients from California, all of which are butchered/crafted in house. All seafood is caught in the Pacific Ocean by local fishermen who exercise sustainable practices, and work within our coastal ecosystem. Produce is sourced directly from farmers and from the farmers’ markets around the Los Angeles area. Everything is house-made, in fact, from the ketchup to the bacon. A top pick for both sustainability, taste and craft.

Westside:

Malibu Farm – 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

At Malibu Farm, the beautiful location at the Malibu Pier, you’ll find everything and everything is homegrown. The owner, Helene, used to grow everything in her own personal garden and back yard farm. Now, of course, with the popularity of her restaurant, that isn’t entirely possible, though the eggs, persimmons, figs, lemons, pomegranates, apricots, asian pears, carrots, beets, asparagus, and fresh herbs still come from her home. She buys local strawberries, oranges, kale, chard, basil and tomatoes from local purveyor Larry Thorne; organic lemons, we get lemons and oranges year round from Mike Zacha; all potatoes and carrots from Weiser farms; Tutti Fruitt; and Maggie’s farm. The chefs shop every week at the Santa Monica farmers market. All breads are local from La Brea bakery and Rockenwagner; coffee comes from nearby Caffe Luxxe; tea from Charles and Company; Jidori chicken is purchased locally; cheese is Pomona-made from De Stefano. Just, wow.

Gjelina – 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Roughly 90% of the fare served is from local farmer’s markets at Gjelina, Travis Lett’s always-packed hot spot on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Get there early, and plan what you want to eat. The bread is out of this world. Hot tip: the veggie pizza is to die for. Go go go!

Conejo and San Fernando Valley: 

Fig & Sprig – 4774 Park Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302

A husband and wife team that focuses on farm to table and sustainable cuisine. Their goal is to treat guests like family and serve delicious food and beverages in a quaint atmosphere. At Fig & Sprig they focus on local, seasonal produce whenever possible and lovingly craft dishes to be healthful and delicious. They take pride in keeping our ingredients locally sourced, organic when possible and sustainable. They also have wonderful vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices for you to consider.

Farm Table – 6209 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401

Stop by for some quick and fresh fare! The modern rustic design of the restaurant pairs nicely with the farm to table status of the food. Perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends and family.

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Home Tips: 3 Design Tips To Maximize A Small Space

Looking for ways to get creative with a small space in your home? Low on square footage and just want to find ways to make your space feel big? Don’t worry, we have some solutions for you!

Choose an ideal paint color

Being thoughtful in your paint choices is very important! Traditional colors like white, cream, and light gray are great choices and will instantly give the impression of more space. These colors will provide a clean look and will make your room feel more expansive.

You can also create a visual openness overhead by simply painting the ceiling white. You’ll have a welcoming space in no time!

In addition to the traditional colors, you can also go bold with dark colors. Highlight a small room by making a cozy-like environment with navy, black, and dark gray colors.

Get creative with storage

Small spaces hardly come with great storage. Creating clever storage solutions can help keep clutter out of sight. The kitchen is one place you can get clever with when it comes to storage. Hang wine glasses beneath your cupboards. Keep cleaning supplies out of sight by attaching holders to the backs of cabinet doors. Consider an adjustable cooking area with roll-away islands and pantries.

Consider multitasking furniture

When your floor space is limited, it’s important to choose furniture that have multiple functions. Consider pieces that have hidden storage or that you can store when not in use. For example, if you can’t fit a dresser in your bedroom, try adding crates under the bed for clothing. An ottoman is also a great piece that can easily transition to a bench or even a coffee table. Limited space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. With creative solutions, you can go from a cramped space to an inviting space with room for all.

 

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LA Eats: Ring in the New Year at These Restaurants

Looking to ring in the new year with great food and entertainment? From a celebratory meal in Downtown Los Angeles to a Southeast Asian inspired meal in Santa Monica to a time traveling meal in Glendale… look not further, we have got you covered!

Abernethy’s at The Music Center

220 N Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located at The Music Center Plaza, Abernethy’s invites Angelenos to ring in the New Year with a celebratory meal featuring Chef Jason Fullilove’s Modern Soul Food. Fullilove’s five-course prix fixe menu highlights dishes that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, including Shrimp Bisque, Parsnip Soup, Crab Toast, Grilled Little Gem Salad, Curry Fried Cauliflower, Roast Free-Range Chicken, BBQ Bone-in Short Rib, Shrimp ‘n Grits, and Squash Agnolotti. Pricing is $79 per person. Reservations available on OpenTable from 5pm to 10:30pm. A limited a la carte menu will be available at the bar for walk-ins and those seeking a more casual experience.

AKASHA

9543 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230

On New Year’s Eve, AKASHA in Culver City rings in 2020 with a la carte specials, including Roasted Oysters, Iceberg Wedge Salad, Parker House Rolls, Bone-in-Ribeye for Two with Salsa Verde or Mustard Cream Sauce; and John Dory with Melted Leeks and Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. Sides include Loaded Pommes Purée with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon and Chives; or a Mushroom Sauté of King Trumpets, Beech and Cremini. Complete your NYE dinner with a dessert of Olive Oil Cake with Schaner Farms Lemon Curd and Tangerines. All holiday specials are served in addition to AKASHA’s daily market-fresh menus.

APL Restaurant

1680 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Adam Perry Lang first built a following in Hollywood by serving “Serious Barbecue” on Jimmy Kimmel’s backlot. He switched from smoked meats to house-aged steak and opened a restaurant down Hollywood Boulevard in 2018. On New Year’s Eve, APL is offering three prix fixe menus and an a la carte Small Bites Menu. The Three-Course Menu features Burrata, Wet-Aged Ribeye (Dry-Aged available for $20), family-style sides (Broccolini, Pomme Purée), and Chocolate & Cognac for dessert. Pricing is $75 per person. The Five-Course Menu ($125) adds Beef Tartare to start and Seared Scallops with crab bisque and butternut squash. Priced at $175, the decadent Seven-Course Menu starts with Oysters & Champagne and adds Meyer Lemon Sorbet to the feast.

Bourbon Steak Los Angeles – “Odes to Epicurean Eras”

237 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91210

Located at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse is serving a special “Odes to Epicurean Eras” prix fixe menu with dishes spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Starters include shrimp cocktail (1960), Bibb Lettuce Waldorf (1893), Little Gem Caesar Salad (1924), truffle artichoke veloute (1820), Oysters Rockefeller (1889), and the supplemental Michael Mina’s Caviar Parfait ($70, 1990). Main course selections feature Surf & Turf (1950), Wagyu Flat Iron Steak Diane (1950), aged duck breast & duck leg confit (1960), Colorado rack of lamb (1930), red snapper bouillabaisse (1980), Salmon en Papillote (1840), and two supplements: 20 oz prime bone-in ribeye ($16, 1822) and 2.5 pound Lobster Thermidor ($28, 1896). For dessert, choose from chocolate cream pie (1897), lemon sorbet (1670) or go all the way back to 776 B.C. for cheesecake. Pricing is $105 per person, with optional wine pairing available for an additional $65.

Cassia

1314 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Taking its roots from Bryant and Kim Ng’s culinary heritage and experiences, Cassia celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Cassia is serving a family-style New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu for $95 per person. Alongside Cassia signatures like Chickpea Curry and Whole Grilled Sea Bass, new dishes include Caviar with salted egg yolk crackers, seaweed crème fraîche & red onions; Smoked Beef Short Ribs with spicy Chinese BBQ sauce, Bibb lettuce & herbs; Spicy Duck Dry Sesame Noodles with scallions and more. Sommelier Marianna Caldwell is offering a $20 beer flight featuring Bryant’s favorites; $45 wine pairings and sparkling sake to pair with caviar. There’s also a limited a la carte menu on the covered and heated patio for walk-ins and those seeking a more casual experience.

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Rodeo Realty Events: 2019 Holiday Party

To celebrate the stellar year that 2019 was… Rodeo Realty’s founder, Syd Leibovitch, threw a grand holiday party for all of the agents and staff on the team. The private event took place at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood. The event was set to host more than 1,000 individuals.

Upon arrival, invitees were personally greeted by Rodeo’s Branch Managers before checking in. Then, guests had the opportunity to take photos on the step and repeat (otherwise known as the red carpet) with members of Rodeo’s Digital Marketing Team. This was all to be done before immersing themselves into the 13,000 square-foot restaurant.

Once inside, there were multiple bars with free-flowing drinks and waiters constantly passing around hors d’oeuvres. From chicken sliders (this year is undoubtably the year of the fried chicken sandwich) to wagyu beef sliders to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, the food at BOA did not disappoint.

It was a fantastic event that wrapped up the end of the year.

Take a peek at more of the photos from the event HERE!

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Weekend Events: Holiday Edition

Looking for great things to check out during your Holiday weekend? We’ve got you covered from ice-skating under the sun to snow days in LA to all of the festive happenings at our local theme parks. This weekend is filled with fun holiday events that keep the spirit going for everyone in the family. Check them out below!

Friday December 27th, 2019

Queen Mary Christmas

LOCATION:  Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802)

WHEN: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

TICKETS:  HERE 

The Queen Mary invites you to embrace the holiday spirit at the Queen Mary Christmas celebration. Begin your adventure at the outdoor North Pole Village, which includes ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree. Next, jump aboard the QM Express Train or the Grand Carousel. Don’t miss out on the performers, gingerbread house making, stocking decorating, or a sweet treat as you watch live entertainment on the outdoor stage before climbing aboard the Queen Mary to take in the enchanting festive lights.

Friday December 27th, 2019

Snow Day LA

LOCATION: The Old Lodge at Montecillo De Leo Politi Park (located on Stadium between Scott Road & Academy Road)

WHEN: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Saturday & Sunday)

TICKETS: HERE

Snow Day LA is a winter wonderland in Elysian Park featuring snow tubing, a captivating new Crystal Winter Garden including 30 plus giant glowing crystals, an interactive light-show where guests control the lights with musical instruments, an animated penguin holiday-themed light path, and even a giant glowing mountain light show! The event also includes food trucks, snacks and hot drinks. Tickets start at $12, with optional Penguin VIP Pass.

Friday December 27th, 2019

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

LOCATION: Six Flags Magic Mountain (26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355)

WHEN: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Saturday & Sunday but Sunday ends at 8:00 PM)

TICKETS: HERE

Six Flags Magic Mountain lights up your holidays as the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Featuring festive shows, activities, and seasonal treats. Noteworthy experiences you must participate in are the… personalized meet-and-greet with Santa and his helpers, making s’mores in the fire pit, and watching the Winter Wonderland lightshow.

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Experience floats before they debut in the 2020 Rose Parade!

LOCATION: (1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (also taking place at the same time form 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sunday)

TICKETS:  HERE

This one’s a local gem. Have you ever wanted to see how those amazing floats come together? Check out the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the 2020 Rose Parade. During the final stages of preparation, you are able to witness a variety of seeds, bark, fruits, vegetables, grass, and (of course) flowers, get applied to the floats. Experience these professionals at work.

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Holiday Ice Rink

LOCATION: Pershing Square (532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013)

WHEN: Daily

TICKETS: HERE

 You can’t miss out on LA’s most popular holiday tradition! Ice skating is available at the various outdoor locations throughout the city. However, the Pershing Square location is one of the most popular. Take advantage of the Los Angeles winter weather and skate on a sunny afternoon. To really embrace the “winter” in LA, bundle up and enjoy the crisp night air while skating under the stars and lights of the city!

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Experience The Magic of The Holidays in Harry Potter’s World

LOCATION: Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608)

WHEN: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

TICKETS: HERE

See Hogsmeade transformed with festive décor and enchanting spirits! Also, go and experience the magic of the holiday at Hogwarts Castle featuring festive lights and music that were produced specifically for the holidays. This immersive experience includes Holiday Frog Choir and Harry Potter-themed holiday food and gifts. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, you’ll appreciate the care to detail they put into bringing you into this world at this special time of year.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Yuletide Cinemaland – Heritage Square Museum

LOCATION: Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031)

WHEN: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Explore picturesque Victorian-era homes at Heritage Square Museum authentically dressed for the holidays, join piano sing-alongs in the Perry Mansion ballroom, sign up for Scrooge’s Victorian Dance Lessons in the old church, and experience the Holiday Light Tunnel. Each event features two outdoor holiday movie screenings in the middle of the historic town square at Heritage Square.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

 LOCATION: 1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

WHEN: 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Friday and Saturday)

TICKETS: Can only be purchased for members but you can get tickets at the gate.

Enchanted Forest of Light is an original interactive, nighttime experience unlike any other festive lighting show in Los Angeles. The main attraction is a one-mile walk through a unique lighting experience in the Descanso Gardens. There are a variety of large-scale light displays, many of which are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Holiday Classics Show

 LOCATION: Miracle Mile Toy Hall (5464 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

TICKETS: HERE

How about something small, but big picture? Bob Baker Marionette Theater returns to the Miracle Mile Toy Hall with a special show of our favorite holiday classics! Check out a heartfelt puppet show followed by a meet and greet with your favorite puppets. This is vintage LA at its very best – truly a great time for the kids!

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Tech News: Autonomous Delivery Vehicles

Autonomous Delivery Vehicles Authorized For Commercial Use In California

Are you ready to be stuck in traffic behind armies of autonomous delivery robots? If you live in California, you can have all your online orders delivered by autonomous delivery robots. Starting January 17, California’s Department of Motor Vehicles will start approving permits for self-driving delivery vehicles. These permits allow for testing and commercial use. There are separate permits for vehicles with and without backup drivers.

“The adoption of these regulations means Californians soon could receive deliveries from an autonomous vehicle provided the company fulfills the requirements” DMV Director Steve Gordon said.

The requirements for testing with a driver include certifying that the vehicles have been tested in controlled conditions, maintaining a training program for test drivers, and ensuring that the drivers have a clean record and are capable of taking over manual control.

Requirements for driverless testing include certifying Level 4 or 5 autonomous capability, having a remote operator, and having a “law enforcement interaction plan” among other things.

This comes after Waymo and other AV companies urged the state’s DMV to allow autonomous delivery vehicles at a hearing earlier this year. Just over a year ago, Waymo got the first permit from the state to test driverless vehicles without a backup driver.

What happens if you get into a wreck with an autonomous delivery vehicle? Do you just sharpie your insurance information on the damaged part of the vehicle? No word yet, but the delivery company should have all the video data they need to protect themselves.

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