Rodeo Realty President-Syd Leibovitch lands on 2019 Swanepoel Power 200 List

Syd Leibovitch recognized as one of the most influential and powerful people in residential real estate.

The 2019 Swanepoel Power 200 list is out and Rodeo Realty’s President, Syd Leibovitch, is once again recognized as one of the most powerful people in the residential real estate brokerage industry!

Out of hundreds who were considered, Syd Leibovitch was one of 200 who made it onto the SP200 list.

“The SP200 is based on a great deal of research,” said Stefan Swanepoel, Editor-in-Chief of the Swanepoel Power 200. “We send hundreds of requests for additional information, personally verifying announcements, stats and actions that took place over the past year.”

The 2019 SP200 ranks Syd Leibovitch at #108 among the 200 recognized.

“Rodeo Realty founder Leibovitch heads one of the leading residential real estate firms in Los Angeles and Ventura counties with nearly 1,000 agents in 12 offices who do $5.2 billion in annual sales,” said the SP200.

Weekend Events: February 8-10, 2019

As we settle into the shortest month of the year, our weekends shouldn’t be cut short on lack of fun. With so many activities to chose from in and around LA, fill your time with the events we’ve rounded up below!

Friday Feb. 8th, 2019

Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys at Law

Location: The Groundlings Theatre, Los Angeles

The legendary Groundlings Theatre troupe presents its latest and greatest main stage show. It’s an evening of sketches and some improvisation, always original and always hilarious. Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys At Law Opening Night Party is Friday, February 8th. Tickets are $50 and include two drink tickets (specialty cocktails, beer, and wine), catering from The Darkroom, and an awesome show! This event is 21 and over only. ID required.

Click here for more info!

One Love Cali Reggae Festival

Location: Queen Mary, Long Beach

Lookin’ to groove right into 2019? One Love Cali Reggae Festival returns to the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach on February 8 – 10 for its fourth annual music fest with all of your favorite bands and artists. This three-day festival boasts a long line-up of musicians. Performers include Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, and more. Attendees can also enjoy nightly after parties on the water with Don Carlos on Friday, February 8, Collie Buddz on Saturday, February 9 and Fiji on Sunday, February 10.

Click here for more info!

The Pan African Film Festival

Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, producer Will Packer and Kevin Hart arrive at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival Premiere of Screen Gems’ “About Last Night”.

Location: Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres, Baldwin Hills

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) returns to Los Angeles February 7-18. Now in its 27th year, the 12-day festival is the largest black film festival in America. PAFF’s legacy is evidenced by the success of storytellers and talent who’ve contributed works to the festival such as Will Packer, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Ryan Coogler, Berry Jenkins, Taraji P. Henson, Ava Duvernay, and countless others. This year’s program features a robust schedule including the Filmmakers Brunch, ARTFest, PAFF Institute Panels, StudentFest, LOL Comedy Series, Children’s Fest, SpokenWord Fest, Seniors’ Connection and much more.

Click here for more info!

Saturday Feb. 9th, 2019

Hammer Museum: Winter Exhibition Opening Night

Location: The Hammer Museum, Westwood

Come help the Hammer Museum celebrate their newest winter exhibitions with an opening-night party on February 9. From 8 to 11 p.m., attendees can view these brand-new exhibits during late-night hours, enjoy music by DJ Nubar and DJ ShyBoy from MaDonna Summer and Bootie LA/SF. See works by Los Angeles-based artist and view are newly acquired works. There will be a cash bar and The Original Grilled Cheese food truck will be parked on Lindbrook Drive if you want to grab a bite. As always, Hammer Museum events are free until they reach capacity.

Click here for more info!

120th Golden Dragon Parade

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents the 120th Golden Dragon Parade along North Broadway in Chinatown on February 9. The celebration centers around the Lunar New Year, which is one of the biggest holidays of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent in Southern California. Gathering thousands of individuals, this parade will include almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, government officials, various dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. The overarching theme of the parade is ethnic diversity, Chinese culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses.

Click here for more info!

Noah’s Ark After Dark Pajama Party

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

Spend an evening with your favorite animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark. Wear your favorite PJs (adults, too!) and play with puppets, tell stories, make new friends, and celebrate the winter. Enjoy a tasty dinner together and have loads of fun!

Click here for more info!

Winter Sounds Weho: Zetz Klezmer Ensemble

Location:City Council Chambers (at the West Hollywood Library) 

The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division and the West Hollywood Library present the 2018-19 Winter Sounds FREE Indoor Concert Series. Zetz Klezmer is a delightful ensemble whose show weaves together music, stories, history, educational demos, and jokes. Their original and traditional music is rooted in klezmer traditions of European Jews, but also fuses sounds from across the globe.

Click here for more info!

Sunday Feb. 10th, 2019

Second Annual Adam’s Forge

Location: Audubon Center at Debs Park, Los Angeles

On Sunday, February 10 the second annual Forge Festival celebrates the art of blacksmithing through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, musical performances, tomahawk throwing, artisan metal and craft marketplace and other family-friendly activities. Hosted by Adam’s Forge, a blacksmithing school founded 2002, The Forge Festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at the and tickets are $25 (children 12 and under are free).

Click here for more info!

From Rescue to Runway

Location: Annenberg Petspace, Los Angeles

Watch Healthy Spot’s Grooming team go paw-to-paw to transform some of Annenberg PetSpace‘s adoptable pets in hopes of helping them find their furever homes. This Japanese style grooming competition will be judged by celebrity guest, Kenichi Nagase! Kenichi is a renowned Japanese Pet Grooming Stylist, recently featured in the Netflix docuseries, Dogs. Your pet is more than welcomed to join you! Stop by and enjoy: A friendly grooming competition, Q&A with Japanese Style Grooming experts, Kenichi NagaseJess Ronaand Patricia Sugihara, Adoptable pets from Annenberg PetSpace, Treats and takeaways, Raffle prizes and giveaways!

Click here for more info!

A Faery Hunt: Valentine Faery Tea Party

Location: Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, Tarzana

Treat your little ones to A Fairy Tea Party! Each table will be hosted by one of A Faery Hunt’s charming faeries. English Tea Sandwiches, shortbread cookies, faery fruit and veggies, and Fairy Tea will be served; catered by their amazing Fairy Caterer. Come dressed in your faery; prince or princess finest attire. Enjoy circle-time story time with the faeries, music, dancing, and surprises. Space is limited for the Fairy Tea Party, so get your tickets now for this catered event.

Click here for more info!

Dance Sunday with Debbie Allen & Friends

Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts

Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen returns with the 4th season of FREE, outdoor dance events for the whole family. This weekends event will feature BREAK THE FLOOR: HIP HOP! An introduction to Hip-Hop class with a fun and energetic routine taught by Chantel Heath. 

Click here for more info!

Weekend Events: February 1-3

Aside from watching this Sundays big game, there are plenty of other fun things to do in LA for the non-sports fans. Since time is of the essence (especially on our rainy days), we have rounded up the best activities this weekend provides. So ditch your usual weekend routine and check out one of the events below…or all of them! The choice is yours this Super Bowl Sunday!!

Friday, January 1st

Night of Ideas

Location: National History Museum

Join the Consulate General of France in at the National History Museum this Friday for Night of Ideas Los Angeles. The evening will include engaging lectures, live musical and dance performances, readings and art installations.

Click here for more info.

Breakup Bar Pop-up

Location: Severance Wine Bar, Melrose

While there us still plenty of time for you to snag a date before Valentines Day, celebrate your singleness at the Breakup Bar Popup. Hosted by the Severance Wine Bra, this limited engagement event is the ultimate anti-valentines day. Enjoy breakup appropriate movie screenings, a Wall of Broken Relationships, and a bounty of themed cocktails and bites. Bring your friends or even your date for a trip down memory lane, or at least some pre-V-day fun.

Click here for more info.

Rare Books L.A.

Location: Pasadena Convention Center

Let your inner bookworm roam free this weekend as Rare Books L.A. comes tot he Pasadena Convention Center. I know your asking, what does this event have that my local bookstore doesn’t? Well for starters, in LA bookstores are nearly extinct. Aside from that new-age fact, Rare Books LA brings you literary treasure from around the world. The fair will feature one hundred of the finest specialist in antiquarian books, fine prints, photography, and ephemera form the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, January 2nd

2019 Japanese Food Expo

Location: Hilton Los Angeles, Universal City

The 2019 Japanese Food Expo comes to Universal City this Saturday. The event will feature food, sake, and travel exhibits from 50+ exhibitors.  Whether you just love eating Japanese food or want to be the Japanese food guru among your friends, this is the event for you!

Click here for more info.

L.A. Cookie Con & Sweets Show

Location: Anaheim Convention Center

Two food events in one weekend?! We know the choice is hard so leave it up to your palette to decide. If your feeling something on the sweeter side, this is the event for you. Enjoy baking demos and workshops, celebrity chefs and hundreds of samples all day long. Can’t make it on Saturday? No worries, this is a two day event, so these delicious treats will be awaiting you Sunday as well. Now you don’t have to chose which food event to do!

Click here for more info.

Family Concert: Up! Up! And Away!

Location: Long Beach Performing Arts Center

A musical afternoon with a full symphonic performance from Long Beach Symphony celebrating things that fly. From bumblebees to birds, kites to magic carpets, dragons to aliens, and superheroes to starships, it’ll be endless fun! Enjoy an afternoon of interactive musical activities, face painting, sing-alongs, conducting, dancing, and MORE!

Click here for more info.

Sunday, January 3rd

The Pickwick Vintage Show

Location: Pickwick Gardens, Burbank

Featuring over 65 exhibitors from across Southern California, the Pickwick Vintage show will feature collections of one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, textiles, inspiration, and findings. The event invites all collectors, connoisseurs, the design community, and fashionistas to check out the showcase of goodies spanning all eras. The Pickwick Vintage Show boasts treasures for all tastes and budgets– a little something for everyone.

Click here for more info.

Super Vegan Sunday

Location: Row DTLA

Super Vegan Sunday! Try to say that three times fast. And after your done with that, don’t miss this foodie approved 2nd annual event. Vegan Street Fair, Eat Drink Vegan, and Smorgasburg LA join forces and transform into a vegan food haven. Not vegan? Don’t worry… Smorgasburg LA will not be going 100% vegan for the day. Smorgasburg LA is always the perfect place for everyone and anyone to grab a bite, and Super Vegan Sunday will be no exception, with your favorite vendors serving vegan and non-vegan options all day long! 

Click here for more info.

Super Bowl LIII!

Yes we could include another event to fill-up your Sunday. But if you live in LA, your angeleno, so it is basically your resident duty to cheer on the LA Rams at some point. Saving you the hustle and bustle of finding a place to support our home team, we have a list of the best bars to catch the big game. Read our weekly feature Out and About: LA Sports Bars Edition at the link below for a roundup of Super Bowl Sunday approved spots.

Click here.

Out and About: LA Sports Bars Edition

You don’t have to throw or go to a big Super Bowl bash to enjoy this weekends big game. With so many new sports bars opening up along with the tried and true favorites, this weeks Out and About has you covered. So hang up the apron and throw on your Rams gear as we list off the city’s best sports bar options for Super Bowl LIII!

Spire 73

Location: 900 Wilshire Blvd Fl 73, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Watch the LA Rams take on the Patriots 73 floors high at Spire 73, located in the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Beginning at 1 p.m. guest can dine on game-day themed bites like ‘L.A. Rams’ Chips and Salsa, ‘L.A. Rams’ green chili pork sliders and L.A. torta burger. And for you Angeleno’s rooting for the opposing team, they’ll have some Patriots option too! The entry cost is $50 and includes a three beer bucket and after party with a live DJ.

Prank

Location: 1100 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

L.A.’s first walk-up bar will be showing the game live on their big screen starting at 11 a.m.. Fans will also score big on deals with $3 to $5 cocktails during commercial breaks, chosen by Prank’s Wheel of Fun. There will also be group party games and Chef Ricardo’s Front Porch BBQ starting at 3 p.m.

Boomtown Brewery

Location: 700 Jackson St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Rams fans will be booming with cheer while they catch the game on Boomtown Brewery’s projection screen and all-day deals. Almost all of their beers will be discounted for the big day along with various food vendors like Republic Craft BBQ and S’moreology.

Hotel Shangri-La

Location: 1301 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Enjoy a poolside feast while rooting for your favorite team at Hotel Shanrgi-La. The game will be shown on their big screen and your $55 entree fee includes a BBQ combo platter with a beer bucket add-on for an additional $20.

Casita del Campo

Location: 1920 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Not really in the mood for game-day BBQ? Casita del Campo has you covered! They’ll be showing the game this Sunday while dishing out your favorite Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas. No worries to brewsky drinkers, there’s a range of ice-cold beer to chose from too!

Baltaire

Location: 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Talk about timing because the happy hour odds are in your favor this weekend. Baltaire’s newly rolled out Happy Hour menu will feature game day bites, beer and cocktails specials. Catch the game in the lounge and don’t miss out on door prizes!

Baldoria

Location: 243 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

DTLA’s Baldoria will host a Super Bowl bingo party to shake up your game-routine this Sunday. Happy Hour is all night with prize giveaways and $2 shots every time either team scores a field goal, touchdown, or safety.

33 Taps

Location: 6263 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

If you’re a sports fan—so, you know, most of you—33 Taps is prime seating for watching your favorite game. Plenty of flat screen TVs are available to stare intently at while you choose from one of 33 beers on tap. If you’re feeling peckish, order one of the burgers with a side of their killer sweet potato fries. Watching the big game eastward? There’s also a 33 Taps in Silver Lake.

Baja Sharkeez

Location: 3600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

This Southern California chain is all about the kitsch—and the flat-screen TVs. Watch the Sunday’s game from the collection of more than 60 TVs hanging around the Mexican beach-themed bar. Enjoy bar favorite frozen drinks, 22-ounce “schooner” cocktails, beer buckets, shot specials and more.

Barney’s Beanery

Location: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The West Hollywood location is the original outpost of this mini-chain, but you can also find one in neighborhoods across L.A.: Pasadena, Westwood, Burbank, Santa Monica and Redondo Beach. You’ll find a crowd of sports bros and ladies all sidling up to the bar, enjoying one of 60 TVs (complete with sports packages galore), and imbibing in an array of beer choices. This sports staple is always a must on any sports bar list!

Blue Dog Beer Tavern

Location: 4524 Saugus Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

You don’t have to be enamoured with canines to appreciate the Blue Dog (although animal lovers may go gaga over the framed dog photos covering the wall). The Sherman Oaks sports bar is located in a 1940s-era bungalow that’s been stripped of the walls, leaving the framing exposed and allowing TVs to be visible from every seat. The beer list isn’t the largest in town, but it might be the best-edited, and come 10am, fans are fully decked out in their favorite team’s gear and all eyes are glued to the TVs.

Super Pup Sunday

Puppies take the field for Puppy Bowl XIV. Animal Planet Discovery Communications Inc DCL Photo Shoot PUPPY BOWL XIV credit: Damian Strohmeyer/Animal Planet

Location: 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Playa Vista, CA 90094

For our furry friends, the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is hosting Super Pup Sunday and it’s as cute as it sounds. Both the football game and Puppy bowl will be streamed in the Wag 1 viewing room will complimentary food and refreshments are provided. Dogs are of course welcome, just be sure to read their rules on visiting pets.

Your Game-day Cocktail Guide

While Budweiser is an obvious Superbowl beverage staple, that doesn’t mean you can shake things up for the non-beer drinkers out there. This weekend draw up a new game plan with the recipes we’ve rounded up below. We guarantee they’re delicious from beginning to end zone!

Red Snapper

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin 
  • 2 oz tomato juice
  • .75 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz chilli sauce
  • .5 oz worcestershire sauce 
  • salt and pepper

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large glass. Add ice and stir to chill. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Courtesy of Four Pillars Gin

What/ When 20

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Ingredients: 

  • 2 oz The Botanist Gin 
  • 0.5 oz blood orange puree
  • 0.5 oz lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup 
  • 3 oz prosecco

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker. Shake and strain into a champagne flute. Garnish with a lemon.

Courtesy of W New York- Times Square

OTT Irish Coffee

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskey
  • .25 oz rich Demerara syrup
  • 5 oz hot coffee
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 5-6 oz heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • Zest from an orange
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters

Instructions:
Muddle the cardamom pods in the bottom of a pre-heated Irish coffee glass. Add whiskey, Demerara syrup, hot coffee, and salt and stir together. Combine the heavy cream, sugar, orange zest, and bitters and whip together until the mixture is thick, but still pourable. Float cream over the top of the drink by pouring gently over the back of a spoon. Add an additional garnish, if you like, of a lightly toasted marshmallow.

Created by Joaquín Simó at Pouring Ribbons

Bright Lights Big City

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Ingredients: 

  • .075 oz Old Overheat 
  • .075 oz Laird’s Apple Brandy
  • 0.5 oz Gifford Rhubarbe
  • 0.5 oz lemon juice
  • 0.25 oz falemum 
  • 0.25 demerara 
  • 1 tonic 
  • 4 dashes of mango bitters
  • 1 mint sprig (garnish)

Instructions: 
Shake ingredients and serve in collins glass with pebble ice. Top with tonic and mango bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.

Created by Kenneth McCoy, available at The Rum House.

The Wild Card

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Ingredients:

  • 3 drops vanilla bean extract 
  • Bar spoon of Maille Mustard
  • 2 oz. El Peloton mezcal
  • .5 oz lemon juice
  • .75 oz agave nectar
  • .75 oz egg white 
  • Peychaud’s Bitters swirl (for garnish) 
  • Star anise

Instructions:
Put ingredients into shaker in this order: vanilla bean extract, bar spoon of mustard, lemon juice, agave, mezcal. Dry shake. Open up shaker and add ice. Double strain into a martini glass. Add a couple dashes of peychaud bitters and place star anise on top. 

Courtesy of Marcio Ramos of The Honeywell

Third And Long

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Ingredients:

  • 1 oz The Bitter Truth Pink Gin
  • 1 oz The Bitter Truth Elderflower Liqueur
  • 1-2 dashes The Bitter Truth Cucumber Bitters

Instructions:
Pour gin, elderflower liqueur and cucumber bitters into a long drink glass filled with ice and stir. Fill up with tonic water and stir again. Garnish with lemon wheel, cucumber slice, and mint sprig.

Courtesy of Alexander Hauck and Stephan Berg at The Bitter Truth

Tommy’s Margarita

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Olmeca Altos Blanco tequila
  • .75 oz agave nectar
  • .75 oz lime juice

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and black salt.

Courtesy of Sweet Liberty

The Trifecta Punch

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Ingredients:

  • 24 oz Aviation American Gin 
  • 64 oz Maison Marcel Sparkling Rosé Wine
  • 12 oz Aperol

Instructions:
In a pitcher, combine gin and Aperol. Stir. When ready to serve, add chilled sparkling rosé wine, and stir again gently. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

Courtesy of Meaghan Levy of theLounge at Rose Hill, HGU Hotel

Svedka ShandyGaff

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 parts SVEDKA Colada Vodka
  • 3 parts Corona Light beer (ice cold) 
  • 2 parts lemonade (cold)
  • 1 lemon wedge

Instructions:
Pour SVEDKA Colada, lemonade, and the juice of 1 lemon wedge into a shaker. Add ice and shake briefly. Strain into a pint glass. Top with Corona Light. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Courtesy of SvedkaADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

The Dark and Stormy

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Gosling’s Rum
  • 4-5 0z ginger beer
  • Gosling’s Black Seal Rum

Instructions:
In a highball glass filled with ice add ginger beer and top with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Garnish with a lime wheel and candied ginger boat.

Courtesy of Drew Sweeney, beverage director for FISHBOWL at Dream Midtown

Campari With A Kick(off)

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Campari
  • 1 oz Tequila Blanco
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • .5 oz lemon juice
  • .5 oz simple syrup

Instructions:
Shake ingredients with ice and pour into a tall tumbler glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice, pineapple leaf, and a wild berry.

Courtesy of Acqua, New York CityADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

Blood, Sweat & Tears

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • .5 oz lime juice
  • .75 passionate juice
  • Gosling’s Black Seal rum float

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in shaker. Serve over ice. Top with Gosling’s float and garnish with lime.

Courtesy of Heather McKinney atOphelia’s Electric SoapBox

Rusty Pale

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Ingredients

  • 5 parts local IPA beer 
  • 2 parts Coopers’ Craft Bourbon 
  • .25 part fresh lemon juice 
  • .25 demerara syrup 
  • Dash of Hellfire Habanero Shrub

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and serve in a pint glass or beer mug. Garnish with lemon.

Courtesy of Michael Ring of Coopers’ Craft Bourbon

Game Day Cider Splash

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Ingredients:

  • 5 oz of beer
  • 3 oz of homemade citrus apple cider
  • 1 oz of Bacardi Black
  • Chopped apples, oranges and lime 

Instructions:
Mix beer, apple cider and Bacardi black in glass. Garnish with fruit.

–Courtesy Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach


OVERTIME

LA RAMS

THE FRONT SEVEN COCKTAIL

For football season, Liquor.com chose a bartender from each NFL team’s hometown to provide the perfect cocktail to represent their team.

“The D line and the linebackers are the strongest group in the Ram’s current lineup,” says John Coltharp, the head bartender at Los Angeles’ Seven Grand. “This stiff cocktail is a tribute to those seven players; it also features the earthy flavors the Rams want the opposing running back to experience when they shove his face into the ground.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Slow Hand white whiskey
  • 1 oz Cynar
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 dash Orange bitters
  • 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters 

Garnish: Lemon peel 

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Express the oil from a lemon peel over top of the drink and garnish with the peel on the ice, skin up.

vs.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Flying Elvis

For the New England Patriots, “this cocktail is a little taste of humble pie, with the strength and resolve of some local navy-strength rum providing structure, a little taste of the unexpected from the Amaro di Angostura and egg white, just like the Pats playbook,” says bartender Vikram Hegde at Cambridge, Mass.’s Little Donkey. “Plus, there’s a little something festive and tropical in the Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur (you know, because Gisele).”

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz Privateer Navy Yard rum
  • ½ oz Amaro di Angostura
  • ½ oz Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur
  • ½ oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 1 Egg white
  • Garnish: Angostura bitters

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker, and shake without ice until emulsified for about a slow 5 count. Add ice and shake vigorously for a slow 10 count or until the shaker frosts over. Fine-strain into a lowball glass without ice, and garnish with a few dots of Angostura bitters in the shape of the Patriots’ Flying Elvis logo (to the best of your artistic ability).

Your Game-day Recipe Guide

The Rams have made it to the Superbowl as any true Angeleno knew they would! While we all prepare to celebrate their eventual win, the next item on the Game-day checklist is of course the food. So skip the generic wings and chips set-up and opt for something equally worthy of a touchdown. We’ve rounded up Superbowl Sunday approved recipes that will send your tastebuds into overtime. Oh come on you know it’s “pun-ty!”

Dips that will have you Running Back for more

Clam Chowder Dip

The creamy soup is obviously best enjoyed in a bread bowl to sop up the flavor. So not why try it as a dip so you can bring some seaside flair to the party.

Click here for the recipe.

Herbed Goat Chesse Dip

Cheese lovers will love this zesty mixture.

Click here for the recipe.

Caramelized Onion Dip

Finish off this oniony dip with crispy shallots and chives.

Click here for the recipe.

Don’t Pass on these finger foods!

Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard

A homemade dipping sauce of whole-grain Dijon mustard, honey, and bourbon makes these bites even more irresistible.

Click here for the recipe.

Chicken and Buttermilk Waffle Bites

Turning a Southern classic into sliders is a guaranteed win for your Game Day party!

Click here for the recipe.

Oven Avocado Fries

Dip these avocado fries in our creamy chipotle lime sauce and get ready to go to snack heaven.

Click here for the recipe.

Sweet Potato-Ricotta Pierogies

We totally won’t judge if you want to eat these with your hands and dip them into the sage brown butter.

Click here for the recipe.

Baguette Pizzas

Choose one topping or try them all (we suggest you try them all!).

Click here for the recipe.

Sprigs in a Blanket

There is a vegetable inside each one, for a (secretly) healthy version of the Super Bowl staple.

Click here for the recipe.

Crispy Mushroom and Muenster Sliders

Yes, chicken wings are a must during football season but these mushroom sliders are a delicious, vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Click here fore the recipe.

Chili-Honey-Garlic Shrimp Kebabs

Please the pescatarians in the crowd with these spicy and sweet skewers.

Click here for the recipe.

A dessert Blitz

Yard Line Oreo’s

These chocolate-covered Oreos topped with fondant are sure to score with all your pals.

Click here for the recipe.

Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Football Cups

The only way to make no-bake chocolate cheesecake even better? Putting it inside a sugar cookie cup, of course. 

Click here for the recipe.

Cracker Jack and Pretzel Treats

Gussy up a few boxes of Cracker Jacks for Game Day.

Click here for the recipe.

Football Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream

Everyone will feel like a winner when these festively shaped sweets are served.

Click here for the recipe.

2018 Year End Economic Update

New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

2.6 million new jobs were added in 2018 as unemployment dropped to a 40-year low – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers added 312,000 new
jobs in December. This shocked analysts that had forecasted 178,000 new jobs. 
There were 2.6 million jobs added in 2018, up from 2.2 million new jobs in 2017. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9% from 3.7% in November, a 40-year low, as 419,000 new workers entered the workforce. Optimism about finding an acceptable job and
higher wages were credited with expanding the workforce. Wages rose 3.2% from
one year earlier, matching October’s year over wage gains which marked the largest
year over year wage gain since April 2009. 

Stock markets ended the year lower in 2018 – After hitting all-time highs in
September, which marked the longest bull market in history, stocks took a downturn in the last quarter of the year. December marked the worst December drop since the Great Depression as fears of a trade war, political uncertainty, slowing economic activity overseas, and higher interest rates made investors more cautious. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 2018 at 23,327.46, down from 24,719.22 at the close of 2017.The S&P 500 closed the year at 2,506.85, down from 2,673.51 at the end of 2017. The NASDAQ closed at 6,635.28, down from 6,903.39 on December 31, 2017. 

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields higher in 2018 – The 10-year U.S. treasury bond closed the year at a 2.69% yield, up from 2.40% on December 31, 2017. The 30-year treasury yield ended the year at 3.02%, up from 2.74% on December 31, 2017.Mortgage Rates higher in 2018 – The December 28, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey  reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.55%, up from 3.99% on December 29, 2017. The 30-year fixed rate was over 5% in October before
declining in November and December. The 15-year fixed was 4.01%, up from 3.44% . last December. The 5-year ARM was 4.00%, up from 3.55% at the close of 2017. Fortunately, rates dropped in the final quarter. The 30-year hit 5% in September. 

Year over year price gains moderated in 2018 after 7 years of price gains. For the first 7 months of the year we saw the same month year over year price increases of
6-8%, but by years end those prices were just 1.5% above the same month one year earlier – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales 
totaled 372,260 in December on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis. That was 
down 11.6% from last December. It marked the fewest sales in a month since January 2015. The statewide median price was $557,600, up 1.4% from December 2017.
On a regional basis Los Angeles County’s median-price of $588,140 was up 1.8% 
from last December. Orange County had a median price of $785,000, down 0.1%
from December 2017. Ventura County’s median price of $640,000 was down 0.8% from last December. Inventory levels also continued to rise. Active listings have
increased 30% from 2017. The unsold inventory index hit record lows before moving up steadily in the last 9 months of 2018. There was a3.5-month supply of homes
listed in California, up from a 2.5-month supply in December 2017. It should be noted that a “normal market” has a six-month supply of homes listed, so inventory levels
which are well above the all-time lows of 2017 are still at low historical levels.
 Los Angeles County had a 3.5-month supply, up from a 2.4-month supply last
December. Orange County had a 4-month supply, down from 2.6 months last
December. Ventura County had a 5.5-month supply, up from a 4-month supply in
December 2017.

The Best Lunar New Year Celebrations 2019

With the Lunar New Year quickly approaching, Los Angeles and it’s surrounding areas have already started on the celebrations. Mark the Year of the Golden Pig with these festive events happening in and around the city. Kicking off this weekend through February!

Lunar New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, January 26-Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: Downtown Monterey Park

Event producer World Journal and a bounty of food vendors, entertainers and merchants invite you to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig in Monterey Park. The Festival will offer unique gifts and speciality items along with food booths. amusement rides and lots of live entertainment. Arrive early Saturday morning to view the arrival of the traditional New year lion and dragon dancers with firecrackers to kick-off the festival. Various types of entertainment will be featured on both days with crowds of 50,000-100,000 expected to attend. Be sure to plan ahead, click here for more information.

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2019

Location: Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau (BHCVB) will host “Happy Chinese New Year, Charming Jing-Jin-Ji” in Beverly Hills on January 26, 2019. This is the eighth consecutive year of Beverly Hills hosting a Chinese New Year celebratory event. The 2019 Chinese New Year event will be divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photo exhibition and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The variety show will feature performance groups from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, folk dance, Peking opera and more. The cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration will include Peking Opera costumes, ceremonial tea service, traditional folk music and more.

Click here for more information.

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Date: Saturday January 26, 2019

Location: Richard and Karen Carpenter Center, Long Beach

Don’t miss an afternoon of award-winning acrobatics and artistic form from world renowned troupe-Golden Dragon Acrobats. Hailing from Cangzhou in the People’s Republic of China, they represent a time-honored tradition that begun over twenty-five centuries ago. The troupe’s athleticism combined with ancient and modern dance and music present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Americana at Brand

Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: The Americana at Brand, Glendale

Similar to the celebrations taking place at the Caruso’s The Grove, The Americana at Brand will celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig with a day of family fun. Enjoy complimentary entertainment and activities that focus on the rich history and traditions of the new year on The Green.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Grove

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Grove, Los Angeles

Taking places just a few days prior to the new year is the Groves Lunar celebration. Focused on the festive nature of the holidays, The Grove will highlight the storied meaning, tradition and symbolism through a dazzling display of decor and fun-filled entertainment. Enjoy lively performances and cultural activities on Gilmore Lane and The Plaza of The Original Farmers Market.

Click here for more information

The Huntington-Chinese New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd.s Pasadena

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Huntington as the Year of the Pig begins. The festivities include lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts, music and more. Enjoy the days entertainment amongst the Huntington’s stunning botanical gardens.

Click here for more information.

Santa Monica Place Lunar New year Celebration

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place will be commerating the Year of the Pig with its annual Lunar New Year celebration. Hosted by comedian Paul “PK” Kim, festivities will include authentic cultural performances and activities. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Chinese lion dance, stilt walkers, traditional dough artists, and classical Chinese folk music.

Click here for more information.

Shanghai Nights Aboard the Queen Mary

Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Celebrate the Chinese New Year aboard the majestic Queen Mary with Shanghai Nights. The evening soiree will be a night of Chinese culture, cuisine and dragon dancing, along with Wushu Warriors Shaolin acrobatics, a guezheng ensemble and more! It is a limited seating event that will be a feast of the senes surrounded by stunning decor.

Click here for more information.

Chinatown Celebrates Year of the Boar

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

Don’t miss out on Chinatowns biggest party of the year! Celebrate the Year of the Boar with a parade and festival in Chinatown. Featuring Marching Bands, Floats, The Miss Chinatown Queen and Court as well as delicious food, music and fun.

Click here for more information.