Free 'Shakespeare in the Park' Schedule

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date,” Shakespeare wrote in his 18th sonnet. Make sure your summer doesn’t pass by too quickly by indulging in one of the many free Shakespeare in the Park performances around Los Angeles.

We’ve compiled a schedule of all of the free and donation-based Shakespeare to be found in the Los Angeles area during the summer of 2018.

While admission is free for any and all, why not leave a few dollars to help continue supporting free Shakespeare in the City of Angel?

Check out the listings below, and enjoy the show!

Shakespeare in the Park

2018 marks the 15th year of the Independent Shakespeare Co. Ten weeks of free Shakespeare will launch on June 30 at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

Titus Andronicus then begins on July 28, and both plays run through September 2 at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays-Sundays. Check this link for a detailed schedule. Arrive early to nab a good seat.

Shakespeare by the Sea

Shakespeare By The Sea will once again offer a ten-week program of admission-free performances with two featured productions: The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Winter’s Tale.

Shows will take place at a variety of venues across the Los Angeles area, including stops in Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Hermosa Beach, South Pasadena, Whittier, and an extended run at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.

The complete schedule is as follows:

June 14: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 15: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 16: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 21: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 22: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 23: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 28: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 29: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

June 30: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

July 5: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

July 6: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

July 7: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

July 8: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Hesse Park in Rancho Palos Verdes at 7 p.m.

July 11: The Winter’s Tale – Valley Park in Hermosa Beach at 7 p.m

July 12: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Valley Park in Hermosa Beach at 7 p.m.

July 13: The Winter’s Tale – Monte Verde Park in Lakewood at 7 p.m.

July 14: The Winter’s Tale – Rush Park in Los Alamitos at 7 p.m.

July 18: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights at 7 p.m.

July 19: The Winter’s Tale – Garfield Park in South Pasadena at 7 p.m.

July 20: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro at 7 p.m.

July 21: The Winter’s Tale – Cesar Chavez Park in Long Beach at 7 p.m.

July 22: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Cesar Chavez Park in Long Beach at 7 p.m.

July 25: The Winter’s Tale – La Mirada Regional Park in La Mirada at 7 p.m.

July 26: The Winter’s Tale – Birch Park in Santa Ana at 7 p.m.

July 27: The Winter’s Tale – Wilson Park in Torrance at 7 p.m.

July 28: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Wilson Park in Torrance at 7 p.m.

July 29: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Terreana Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes at 7 p.m.

August 1: The Winter’s Tale – Adventure Park in Whitter at 7 p.m.

August 2: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Garfield Park in South Pasadena at 7 p.m.

August 3:  The Winter’s Tale – Potocki Center for the Arts in Mission Viejo at 7 p.m.

August 4: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino at 7 p.m.

August 5: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Eisenhower Park in Seal Beach at 7 p.m.

August 8: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Soka University in Aliso Viejo at 7 p.m.

August 9: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills at 7 p.m.

August 10: The Winter’s Tale – Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach at 7 p.m.

August 12: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel at 7 p.m.

August 15: The Winter’s Tale – CSU Dominguez Hills in Carons at 7 p.m.

August 16: The Merry Wives of Windsor – CSU Dominguez Hills in Carons at 7 p.m.

August 17: The Winter’s Tale – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

August 18: The Merry Wives of Windsor – Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m.

Visit the Shakespeare by the Sea calendar page for more details on each of the locations and any changes to the schedule.

Even More Free Summer Shakespeare

Another option for free Shakespeare is at The LA SummerFEST presented by the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival.

This yearOthello will be performed on July 21, 23, 28, 30 and August 11-13. Each show begins at 8 p.m. Though admission and parking are free, the group suggests a donation of $10.

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

The Best Restaurants in Los Angeles Right Now

APL RESTAURANT

APL RESTAURANT

HOLLYWOOD

An indulgent meat-centric nirvana from Adam Perry Lang
BBQ genius/Jimmy Kimmel’s best friend Adam Perry Lang has finally opened his first LA restaurant, and to say it’s a barnburner would be an understatement. He legitimately may have the best steak in town with his rib-eye, the French onion soup will knock you out, and — oh yeah — there’s a giant dinosaur-sized short rib that’s as perfectly smoked-and-dry-rubbed as anything you’ve ever eaten in your life. Will your wallet feel hurt after you leave? It will, but this is definitely a good kind of hurt.

7FUSION

SHERMAN OAKS

The Valley’s new hot pot spot
This ambitious new Asian fusion joint’s essentially a dolled-up version of Mongolian BBQ: choose a ton of ingredients, hand them to a chef, and get an instant dinner. Here’s the thing, though: those ingredients include out-there options like alligator and camel as well as more-traditional options including meatballs and lobster, and they’ve also got curries and a full-on cocktail menu.

COURTESY OF BARBETTE

BARBETTE

WEST HOLLYWOOD

A new barstaurant from the Jones crew
The group behind some of LA’s longest-running all-stars (The Roger RoomJones!Bar Lubitsch!) are back with this gorgeous, date-friendly, French-ish barstaurant/partying space. The cocktails here are from award-winning bartender Brittany Olsen, who’s dreaming up interesting concoctions like the Northern Trick, with gin, bergamot, lemon, coconut water, and blue peaflower; food, meanwhile, ranges from starters like radish with butter to a saffron-laced crab rice entree and, of course, steak frites.

TUMBI

SANTA MONICA

The Westside’s modern Indian answer to Baadmash
Move over, Cassia: the Westside’s newest modern Asian hit is Tumbi, which is an Indian restaurant that — like the critically acclaimed Eastside favorite Baadmash — takes classic flavors and masterfully reinvents them. Dishes include charbroiled paneer tikka with yogurt, curry, and mint chutney, and an Afghani seekh kebab with ground lamb, fennel, and tomato chutney.

SAVED BY THE MAX

SAVED BY THE MAX

WEST HOLLYWOOD

A ‘90s TV throwback restaurant that’s more than just gimmicks
Surely by now you’ve heard all about Saved by the Max, the Saved by the Bell-themed restaurant that’s been Instagrammed by every single person you know. If not, here’s the CliffsNotes version: yeah, it looks great on Instagram, but the food is from a guy who’s worked for Michelin-starred restaurants (Entente and Schwa), which means it’s more than just a novelty act. They’ve decided to keep the pop-up running at least through September, so you’ve still got time to get in there so long as you’re not HOPPED UP ON CAFFEINE PILLS.

CASTAWAY BURBANK

CASTAWAY

BURBANK

Burbank’s standby is back on the up and up
It’s not an entirely new restaurant, but after a reported $10 million renovation it might as well be: this now-stunning Burbank restaurant’s open again after a year, and boasts a massive patio overlooking the city, as well as a brand new menu with a full cheese and charcuterie bar as well as American wagyu brisket and whole roasted branzino with shaved fennel and oven-roasted tomato.

PETIT TROIS

PETIT TROIS

SHERMAN OAKS

The Valley finally gets a taste of chef Ludo Lefebvre
Ludo Lefebvre’s Petit Trois has been a long-standing favorite in Hollywood thanks to absolutely perfect French omelets and a burger that many people rave about, but the second location in the Valley is larger and more ornate — a testament to the new excitement around food in a part of LA long considered a culinary wasteland. The menu here is expanded from the original, so expect breakfast tartines and crabcakes at dinner, as well as the old favorites.

BAVEL DTLA

BAVEL

DOWNTOWN

Middle Eastern follow-up from the team behind Bestia
Bestia has been on our best-of Eat Seeker list since its inception, so it’s no surprise that the opening of the Middle Eastern sequel to that iconic Italian spot has also garnered a spot on the list. The menu’s full of cross-regional specialties like lamb flatbreads and confit turmeric chicken legs, as well as duck hummus (aka the one thing you never want to hear at a food fight).

TRIPLE BEAM

HIGHLAND PARK

Mozza and ERB’s chefs join forces for a new Eastside pizza spot
It says, “the place where they weigh the pizza” on the outside of this new small Highland Park Roman-style pizzeria, and that’s the basic concept: you tell ‘em how much you want, and you pay by the pound. You’re going to want a lot, though, because the pizza here comes from a truly legit pedigree: the chefs behind it are Nancy Silverton (Mozza) and Matt Molina (ERB), which has quickly propelled it to destination status. Get there quick.

COURTESY OF NOMAD LOS ANGELES

THE NOMAD LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

New York’s renowned hotelstaurant finally touches down in LA
The LA location of the country’s most-acclaimed restaurant is split up into sections: the Mezzanine’s the reservation-only spot serving up the trademark black truffle-smoked roast chicken, but there’s also a coffee bar (simply called “The Coffee Bar,” and modeled after a 300-year-old Venetian cafe), a booze spot (Giannini Bar, helmed by the same guy who got the NY bar its rank as the No. 1 bar in North America from Tales of the Cocktail), and a lobby for brunch and burgers from the top chefs in the US.

ANDREW BEZEK

MAJORDOMO

CHINATOWN

The first LA spot from Momofuku’s David Chang
Celebrated Momofuku restaurateur/Ugly Delicious star David Chang’s first-ever LA concept is a tough reservation, which is no surprise: the dude’s food, which draws from Asian cuisine as well as US traditions, is practically made for LA. Early favorites include Benton’s sausage-stuffed, fried Korean peppers, and a short rib made a la BBQ master Adam Perry Lang, with kitchen duties from exec chef Jude Parra-Sickels (who was Roy Choi’s No. 2 man for years).

ELIZABETH DANIELS

EATALY

CENTURY CITY

The massive, Italian-themed market/food hall Eataly has been one of the most-anticipated openings in LA in recent memory, and it delivers, with pizza from world-renowned pizza chefs, seafood from Michael Cimarusti, imported market items from Italy, and incredible gelato and coffee. It’s basically three stories of boot-themed bliss: good luck leaving hungry. And all that above? That’s really just a scratch of the surface: find out about Italian tacos, fresh cheese, charcuterie, and more right here.

WONHO LEE / THRILLIST

FELIX TRATTORIA

VENICE

When Evan Funke was at the now-defunct Bucato in Culver City, his handmade pasta was considered some of the best in LA — and since closing that restaurant, he’s spent time in Italy and made it even better. It’s not hyperbole to say that the pastas at Felix are among the best we’ve ever eaten, anywhere, and they’re made even more delicious somehow by the open-kitchen vibe in the restaurant: The best seats are by the pasta-making window, where Funke and his staff hypnotically knead and roll dough. Come hungry.

ANNE FISHBEIN

VESPERTINE

CULVER CITY

This mysterious, much-hyped project from former Red Medicine/current Destroyer chef Jordan Kahn’s not for the weak-walleted: a set menu for dinner costs $250. But, when it’s been described by the team behind it as “a dimension of cuisine that is neither rooted in tradition nor culture — it is from a time that is yet to be, and a place that does not exist,” it’s impossible to not be intrigued. Essentially, it’s like the OK Computer of restaurants: moody, unique, and boldly futuristic.

CATHY CHAPLIN

ANIMAL

MID-WILSHIRE

Sure, these guys’ newer Italian restaurant Jon & Vinny’s is hot right now, too, and their seafood restaurant Son of a Gun is also a stone-cold classic at this point. But the OG from these dudes still stands out for its delicious creativity; years in, they haven’t let the menu get stale at all, which means you’re gonna be ordering the classics — and then whatever insanity they’ve put on the menu today, since it may not be there again tomorrow.

BAROO LOS ANGELES

BAROO

HOLLYWOOD

This tiny James Beard-nominated restaurant, hidden in a strip mall in a no-man’s-land section of East Hollywood, would be voted least likely to succeed on looks alone. Once you glance at the tiny, challenging-to-understand menu, you may be even more tempted to bounce. Don’t. The food is from guys who did time at Noma and Daniel — two of the world’s best restaurants — and the $15-or-less grain bowls and pastas they’re serving burst with the flavor and love of those 10-times-as-expensive world-class restaurants. Just check the website/give them a call and make sure they’re open before you head there — they leave for months at a time for “inspiration trips,” but when they come back, the food’s somehow even better than before.

BESTIA DTLA

BESTIA

DOWNTOWN

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Since its opening in 2012, Bestia’s sort of become the definitive LA restaurant, offering a menu that appeals to both eat-anything foodies (pan-roasted chicken gizzards!) and eat-carefully dieters (tomato & plum salad!) in a setting that feels both industrial and homey, with prices that won’t make you feel wallet regret when you wake up in the morning. It’s no surprise it’s still one of the few tough reservations in the city; despite its size, everyone who leaves immediately wants to go back.

ZEN SEKIZAWA

N/NAKA

CULVER CITY

Before she was on the wildly popular Netflix show Chef’s Table, Niki Nakayama’s hole-in-the-wall Culver City spot — where she makes impossibly meticulous Japanese food that seems to hit all your taste buds at once — was already one of the most buzzy restaurants among foodie-type people in LA. But now that the cat’s out of the bag, it’s become nationally famous as well, which means getting in is a struggle — a totally worth-it struggle.

COURTESY OF GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

DOWNTOWN

Seriously, are they ever going to run out of stall space at GCM — which, at this point, should just be considered a treasure of the city? Let’s hope not: Not only are all the old spots great (and set up for killer mash-ups), but newer openings (like Union chef Bruce Kalman’s pasta spot Knead & Co, the vegan ramen joint Ramen Hood, a Golden Road Brewing stall, and the bivalve-y Oyster Gourmet) make it a must-visit. Like, all the time.

PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE

HOLLYWOOD

Despite lots of competition from upstarts, Providence is still LA’s best special-occasion restaurant: The service is impeccable, as is Michael Cimarusti’s seafood. Is it cheap? It is not. Is it worth it? Most definitely.

FLICKR/T.TSENG

HOWLIN’ RAY’S

DOWNTOWN

This fried chicken spot’s had lines from day one, but that’s no surprise: The now-defunct truck of the same name, which specialized in the same Nashville hot chicken as the brick & mortar, was absolutely exceptional. Add to that the fact that neighbors in the Chinatown mini-mall include Roy Choi’s Chego! and the revolving test-kitchen Unit 120, and you may want to hit them all with a large group for a sharing-friendly feast.

JEFF MILLER/THRILLIST

Q SUSHI

DOWNTOWN

This long-standing, high-priced, gorgeous sushi bar Downtown finds its way back to Eat Seeker thanks to an insane premium omakase, just added to the menu. Give the chef a few days’ notice and he’ll source rare, seasonal fish from Japan and elsewhere around the world, with a 15+-course tasting of flavors you literally can’t get anywhere else in LA (and that al dente vinegar rice is outstanding, too).

JAKE LINDEMAN

KISMET

LOS FELIZ

The team behind Grand Central Market’s insanely great Madcapra falafel has knocked it out of the park again with this Mediterranean sit-down spot (a collab with Jon and Vinny from Animal), which packs amazing flavor into lamb belly with turnips, carob, Meyer lemon and crispy quinoa, and kuka, a sort of Middle Eastern frittata.

KATO RESTAURANT

KATO

SAWTELLE

This teeny-tiny strip mall restaurant is a prix-fixe-only, no-booze gem, serving ultra-modern Japanese-inspired fare that changes at the chef’s whim. One recent dinner’s blow-away dish was a chawanmushi-style custard with salmon eggs and creamy crab, but each bite (and each course) was revelatory, and at $55 for a five-course menu, not too wallet-busting either.

DUSTIN DOWNING / THRILLIST

MH ZH

SILVER LAKE

LA Weekly’s Besha Rodell unexpectedly crowed about this unpronounceable Israeli spot, and now food fans in LA are racing to get there for dishes like Lamb Ragooooo (yes, the extra os are on purpose) and Instagram-ready presentation, with piles of meat and veggies atop heaps of labneh.

COURTESY OF PIZZANA

PIZZANA

BRENTWOOD

If we told you that one of the best pizza spots in the city was in Brentwood, would you believe us? You should: Chef Daniele Uditi is from Naples and insists his pizza taste like home, with Italian-imported ingredients making up the bulk of the toppings. Don’t miss his on-special margherita (which is topped with a crunchy basil mixture that gives it far more texture than a traditional pie) and the fried artichoke salad, which hits you with flavor and bite.

Story by Thrillist.

 

KCRW’s Free Summer Nights Events Schedule for 2018

With summer less than a month away, you’ll want to start making plans — fortunately, Los Angeles offers lots of great free events all summer long. One of the best options is KCRW’s Summer Nights, with a whole slew of outdoor music events throughout summer 2018.This year’s edition of KCRW’s Summer Nights begins on June 2. Now in its ninth year, Summer Nights offers dozens of fun, free, all-ages outdoor music shows over the course of the summer throughout the greater Los Angeles area, with venues as far north as Santa Barbara (at the Museum of Contemporary Art).

There’s a new first-time venue for Summer Nights this time around: KCRW’s new home base, located at Santa Monica College’s new Center for Media and Design. See below for the list of every KCRW Summer Nights show and get ready to celebrate our beautiful summer nights!

Saturday, June 2, 7:30 p.m. – One Colorado Old Pasadena: Pinky Pinky + KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox

Saturday, June 16, 7:30 p.m. – One Colorado Old Pasadena: shey baba + KCRW DJ Chris Douridas

Saturday, June 30, 8:00 p.m. – Chinatown: KCRW DJs Liza Richardson + Garth Trinidad

Thursday, July 5, 7:00 p.m. – Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara: KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd

Thursday, July 12, 6:30 p.m. – Hammer Museum: Talent TBA

Saturday, July 14, 6:00 p.m. – California African American Museum: KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd + Garth Trinidad

Thursday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. – Hammer Museum: Talent TBA

Thursday, July 26, 6:30 p.m. – Hammer Museum: Talent TBA

Friday, July 27, 5:30 p.m. – Metro Arts Presents at Union Station: KCRW DJs Travis Holcombe + Jason Bentley

Saturday, July 28, 8:00 p.m. – Chinatown: KCRW DJs Mathieu Schreyer + Anthony Valadez

Saturday, August 4, Time TBA – KCRW HQ @ Santa Monica College’s CMD Campus: Talent TBA

Thursday, August 2, 7:00 p.m. – Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara: KCRW DJ Marion Hodges

Friday, August 3, 5:30 p.m. – Metro Arts Presents at Union Station: KCRW DJs Anne Litt + Dan Wilcox

Friday, August 10, 5:30 p.m. – Metro Arts Presents at Union Station: KCRW DJs Raul Campos + Anthony Valadez

Saturday, August 11, Time TBA – KCRW HQ @ Santa Monica College’s CMD Campus: Talent TBA

Saturday, August 18, Time TBA – KCRW HQ @ Santa Monica College’s CMD Campus: Talent TBA

Saturday, August 25, 8:00 p.m. – Chinatown: KCRW DJs Raul Campos + Jason Bentley

Thursday, September 6, 7:00 p.m. – Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara: KCRW DJ Travis Holcombe

For more information, visit KCRW’s official website.

Story by We Like LA.

Schedule of Free Museum Days in L.A. For June

The intent of this “cheat-sheet” is to denote specific free days in any given month where Los Angeles museums that normally charge an admission waive their entry fees (not including parking). For this post we’re detailing June, 2018.

Remember there are over two dozen museums in and around Los Angeles that offer free admission ALL the time which are not listed here.  We’ve compiled a handy list of ALL of those free museums (including favorites like The Getty, California Science Center, The Hammer Museum, and more) if you’d like to explore all your freebie options for June.

Enjoy!

Free Museum Days in Los Angeles – June 2018

[JUNE 1Norton Simon Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 1Pasadena Museum of California Art (noon to 5 p.m.)

[JUNE 1Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[JUNE 3Museum of Latin American Art

[JUNE 3 ] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

[JUNE 5Natural History Museum (note that L.A. County residents receive free NHM museum admission Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring a valid ID or utility bill the day of your visit.)

[JUNE 5Page Museum at La Brea Tarpits

[JUNE 5] ] Kidspace Children’s Museum (from 4 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 7Japanese American National Museum (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 7MOCA Grand & MOCA Geffen (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 7Skirball Cultural Center

[JUNE 7USC Pacific Asian Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 7Long Beach Museum of Art (3 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 7Huntington Library (note that you have to reserve passes for the free day in advance, and it books up fast. For this reason we’d suggest you take a look at the free day for July and start planning when you need to be online to grab the tix)

[JUNE 8Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[JUNE 10Museum of Latin American Art

[JUNE 10] ] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

[JUNE 10USC Pacific Asian Museum

[JUNE 12Los Angeles County Museum of Art (also free for L.A. County residents with valid I.D. after 3:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays all month long)

[JUNE 12Autry Museum of the American West

[JUNE 14Japanese American National Museum (all day)

[JUNE 14MOCA Grand & MOCA Geffen (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 14Skirball Cultural Center

[JUNE 14USC Pacific Asian Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 14Long Beach Museum of Art (3 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 15Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[JUNE 17Museum of Latin American Art

[JUNE 17] ] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

[JUNE 19Los Angeles County Arboretum

[JUNE 19South Coast Botanic Garden

[JUNE 19Descanso Gardens

[JUNE 21Japanese American National Museum (all day)

[JUNE 21MOCA Grand & MOCA Geffen (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 21Skirball Cultural Center

[JUNE 21USC Pacific Asian Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 21Pasadena Museum of California Art (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 21Long Beach Museum of Art (3 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 22Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[JUNE 24Museum of Latin American Art

[JUNE 24Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

[JUNE 28MOCA Grand & MOCA Geffen (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 28Skirball Cultural Center

[JUNE 28Japanese American National Museum (from 5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 28USC Pacific Asian Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)

[JUNE 28Long Beach Museum of Art (3 to 8 p.m)

[JUNE 29Long Beach Museum of Art (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

Great Brunch Spots in Los Angeles for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day 2018 is just around the corner, so why not show mom your appreciation by treating her to brunch?

If you haven’t made reservations, you’ll want to get planning soon. Whether your mother likes Michelin-starred elegance, an elevated outdoor jazz brunch with views of the Hollywood sign, or Japanese food, make it a brunch to remember with the help of our list of 17 great Los Angeles spots for Mother’s Day brunch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BidWrDxhjmp/?utm_source=ig_embed

1. Farmhouse (West Hollywood)

Opened just weeks ago at the Beverly Center, Farmhouse showcases “seed-to-plate” cuisine using hyperlocal produce from top farms, along with responsibly sourced fish, meat, and poultry. For Mother’s Day, Farmhouse is offering a $45 prix-fixe brunch menu, with dishes like peas and burrata salad, pork belly eggs benedict, breakfast pizza topped with Fresno chilis, French toast with local bananas, herb and goat cheese omelets, fennel-scented pavlova and rhubarb clafoutis. -> More information

2. Portofino Hotel & Marina (Redondo Beach)

Baleen Kitchen, located at the four-star Portofino Hotel & Marina, is offering a luxe buffet brunch — with marina views — that includes ceviche, cracked crab claws, Asian soba salad, an artisan cheese display, omelet, pasta and Belgian waffle stations, charcuterie and crudité displays, a carving station, and more. Adults are $63, while kids are $39. -> More information

3. Panxa Cocina (Long Beach)

Enjoy the cuisine of New Mexico at Panxa Cocina, which reflects the influences of Chef Arthur Gonzalez, who as a child cooked with his Oaxacan grandmother and later dwelled for years in New Mexico before returning to Los Angeles. Panxa’s Mother’s Day brunch includes Southwestern specialties like New Mexican stacked enchiladas, a hatch chile burger, and blue corn pinon pancakes. You’re more than welcome to bring your canine along — this eatery features a doggy brunch menu as well! -> More information

4. The Ebell of Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire)

The elegant and historic Ebell, founded over a century ago, is opening its lounge for a Mother’s Day brunch buffet, with choices such as carved roast beef, poached salmon, made-to-order omelets, fresh waffles, and bottomless champagne. Enjoy entertainment from the Y-Huan Zhao string quartet, while the kiddos can marvel at children’s magician extraordinaire The Amazing Dave. Brunch is $60 fro adults, $35 for youths 6-18, and free for kids under 5. -> More information 

5. Celestino Ristorante (Pasadena)

Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, Pasadena’s Celestino is offering a four-course, prix-fixe brunch on Mother’s Day for $58. Begin with buffalo mozzarella salad, followed by artichoke ravioli with black truffle sauce or spinach and pea risotto. The main course, grilled salmon with sorelle, will be followed by a special dessert: Torta della Nonna, a pastry topped with pine nuts and filled with rich custard. -> More information

6. Patina (DTLA)

Michelin-starred Patina is housed in Downtown’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. This Mother’s Day, Patina’s special three-course prix-fixe brunch menu ($70 for adults/$35 for children) will feature crudo tostada, buttermilk fried quail jidori chicken, and Scottish smoked salmon. -> More information 

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7. Filifera (Hollywood)

Take in gorgeous views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory at rooftop bar and lounge Filifera, located 22 stories high at the Hollywood Proper Residences. Brunch guests will enjoy a complimentary mimosa and a sweet treat as they savor brunch classics and listen to live jazz. -> More information

8. Avec Nous at Viceroy L’Ermitage (Beverly Hills)

Consider taking Mom to Avec Nous, the beautiful modern update on a timeless French bistro located at the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. Offering a three-course buffet meal on Mother’s Day, guests can savor delicious offerings like braised short rib pappardelle pasta or grilled prawns in sauce vierge with cippolini onions. -> More information

9. ROKU (West Hollywood)

Trendy Japanese restaurant ROKU will feature a special four-course menu just for Mother’s Day. For $55, savor king crab brûlée, ginger-marinated salmon, Ume Matsu sushi with Spicy Tuna Roll, and a mini chocolate volcano. Mothers will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. -> More information 

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10. The Mission Inn (Riverside)

The Mission Inn, a beautiful Mission Revival-style hotel dating back to 1876, is a National Historic Landmark renowned for its Sunday brunch. This Mother’s Day, visit the Inn for live music and traditional brunch fare, along with champagne, a mimosa bar, and luxe dishes like crab leg, Norwegian salmon, and scallop ceviche. -> More information

11. OUE Skyspace LA (DTLA)

Looking for Mother’s Day in L.A. with a 360-degree view of the city? Skyspace LA will offer an unlimited brunch at their event space high above the DTLA skyline. The deal ($60 for adults, $30 for kids 5-12) includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, a live string quartet, selfie stations with special Mother’s Day backgrounds, and a large physical Mother’s Day-themed backdrop with floral arrangements. Kids also get unlimited rides on the Skyslide. -> More information

12. Lobby Restaurant at NoMad (DTLA)

Try Mother’s Day brunch at the chic new NoMad Hotel’s Lobby restaurant. Priced at $55 per person, the menu will feature starters like carrot tartare, English pea flatbread, and avocado toast; main dishes such as lemon-poppy pancakes, eggs Benedict with salmon, or fava bean pappardelle; and an ice cream sandwich as a sweet finale. -> More information

13. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)

Beloved Mexican vegan eatery Gracias Madre is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch, with such specials as cashew ricotta-stuffed French toast with lemon curd and berries or rosemary grilled asparagus with olives and wine reduction. -> More information

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14. Jean-Georges at the Waldorf Astoria (Beverly Hills)

Jean-Georges’ luxurious Mother’s Day brunch includes such options as a chilled shellfish platter with kumamoto oysters, king crab and Maine lobster; Pacific snapper with organic potato puree; and lychee rhubarb trifle with almond crumble. Brunch begins at $155 a person. -> More information

15. Rosaliné (West Hollywood)

Ricardo Zarate’s Rosaliné is an especially fitting choice for Mother’s Day, as the renowned Peruvian chef named the eatery after his own mother. Expect dishes inspired by Peruvian flavors, such as quinoa toast with apple ginger tamarind soy dressing; a sweet potato pumpkin beignet with fig chancaca sauce; or the Mamacita Bowl with steak, chicken or mushrooms over brown rice quinoa, huacatay cilantro pesto, and mixed veggies. -> More information

16. Hotel Shangri-La (Santa Monica)

Indulge in a poolside brunch buffet and live music at art deco landmark the Hotel Shangri-La. Culinary options include a carving station, an omelet station, gazpacho shooters, assorted pancakes, pan-seared halibut and more. All moms will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a rose. -> More information

17. Margo’s (Santa Monica)

This modern Montana Avenue eatery will offer Mother’s Day brunch specials like strawberry French toast and spring vegetable frittata, along with their popular bottomless mimosa brunch. To make things even more special, each mom will receive a free succulent plant to take home! -> More information

Story courtesy of We like LA.

Saved by The Bell Diner Extends Its Los Angeles Run

Saved By The Bell fans have been waiting patiently and this week Saved by the Max made its Los Angeles debut. Set to resemble The Max, a local hangout in the show, the menu will serve up heavily themed eats like the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo, A.C. Sliders, the Bayside Burger, the Preppy BLT and Mac & Screech. As Saved by the Max was a big success in Chicago, reservations are highly encouraged and walk-ups will be limited.

With most (all?) of the reservations filled up, word is out that Saved by the Max will offer a ‘Second Semester’ of seating reservations through September 2019. Those tickets go on sale ($40 a person) this Friday starting at noon.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

Proposed Aerial Tram Would Take Fans from Union Station to Dodger Stadium

In an effort to alleviate traffic woes around Dodger Stadium on game days, a company has proposed a gondola that would transport passengers from Union Station to the stadium. Though there’s already an express bus that does just that, a gondola would offer a traffic-free way for fans to access stadium events, while hopefully reducing congestion in the area for residents.

According to Curbed LA, the company proposing the tram is Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies, LLC (ARTT), which just so happens to be founded by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt’s son, Drew McCourt. The elder McCourt has pledged a portion of the gondola’s estimated $125 million price tag, the Los Angeles Times reports. The rest would be covered by private funding.

According to their current plans, ARTT anticipates each cabin could accommodate 30 to 40 passengers at a time, with rides lasting about 5 minutes. During busier times, such as on game days or when the stadium is hosting an event, there would be more cabins in use. The zero-emission system would also be ADA compliant, and would allow passengers to bring along their bikes. The company also notes that a ticket to ride the gondola would be cheaper than parking at Dodgers Stadium, but did not specify how much. If all goes as planned, they’re hoping to be up and running by 2022.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti seems pretty enthusiastic about the gondola, pitching it at an MTA meeting on Thursday saying it wouldn’t be just for Dodgers games and their fans. “It will become something for visitors, for local residents, for first dates, for marriage proposals,” he said.

Los Angeles already has a few fun transit options, like funicular Angels Flight in downtown L.A.,and the tram that brings passengers up to the Getty Center. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which spans over 2.5 miles from the Coachella Valley to San Jacinto Peak, is a popular tourist activity. The top station offers views, hiking, restaurants, and a bar—and in the sweltering summer months, it doesn’t hurt that the higher elevation usually results in a significant temperature drop.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was referenced in a 1990 report via the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, which explored alternative connections to Dodger Stadium. The report suggested that “such a transit mode would tend to serve as a visitor attraction  in itself because of views of downtown Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium and Elysian Park.” And according to CBS, ARTT’s proposal draws from a similar 2010 proposal, which also compared a potential gondola system to Palm Springs’ tram.

For now, the project is seeking support from Metro, who they hope will help with the environmental review and planning a route. ARTT is not seeking any help with funding from Metro.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

A Guide To LA's Best Beaches

It’s summer in LA, and while we may take it for granted, every other city is losing their mind wishing they could spend their time on our beaches. We’ve got excellent water, excellent foodexcellent bars, and excellent-looking people in bathing suits, which is exactly why we should be beach bumming it as often as we can. Happy summer everybody: Here are the shoreline spots you need to hit in and around Los Angeles, and the things you should be eating while you’re there.

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Complete Schedule for Eat|See|Hear 2018

Summer in Los Angeles means outdoor movie screenings, and Eat|See|Hear is one of the longest running series bringing those types events in the region. Each Eat|See|Hear event features dining options from a rotating selection of 130-plus food trucks, a different local band playing before each movie, and a dog-friendly environment that provides water bowls and biscuits for each canine attendee! Screenings take place at a variety of iconic venues around the city.

ESH recently announced its 2018 schedule and it’s loaded with an array of classics, including The Big Lebowski, Hitchcock’s thriller Rear WindowE.T., 1969 biker film Easy Rider, The Princess Bride, Mel Brooks’ audacious comedy Blazing Saddles, Kevin Smith’s Clerks, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights, and much more.

Venues for this year innclude The Autry Museum in Griffith Park, La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills, Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall, North Hollywood Recreation Center, the Santa Monica High School Memorial Greek Amphitheater, and Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown.

The 2018 series launches on May 5 with Despicable Me at North Hollywood Recreation Center and continues every Saturday at various venues through September 15. For comfort’s sake, you’ll want to bring pillows, cushions, blankets, or a low chair that doesn’t block the view of the person behind you.

General admission starts at $14, while “fashionably late” tickets, at $23.15 each, can be purchased in advance if you’d rather not deal with waiting in line. Tickets for kids between 5 and 12 begin at $8, while kids under 5 are free.

You can catch out the full lineup of ESH events below. And remember if outdoor movies are your thing you can also take a look at Street Food CinemaRooftop Cinema Club, and the still TBD Hot Tub Cinema Club.

Eat|See|Hear 2018 Schedule

May 5 – Despicable Me at North Hollywood Recreation Center

May 12 – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind at LA State Historic Park

May 19 – E.T. The Extra Terrestrial at North Hollywood Recreation Center

May 26 – Easy Rider at The Autry Museum

June 2 – Tommy Boy at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall

June 9 – The Princess Bride at North Hollywood Recreation Center

June 16 – The Big Lebowski (20th Anniversary) at Santa Monica High School Amphitheater

June 23 – Clerks at The Autry Museum

June 30 – Lady Bird at Santa Monica High School Amphitheater

July 7 – Rear Window at The Autry Museum

July 14 – The Warriors at LA State Historic Park

July 21 – Ocean’s Eleven at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall

July 28 – Blazing Saddles at The Autry Museum

August 4 – Groundhog Day at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall

August 11 – Inglorious Basterds at The Autry Museum

August 18 – The Sandlot (25th Anniversary) at La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills

August 25 – Back to the Future at The Autry Museum

September 1 – Selena at The Autry Museum

September 8 – Boogie Nights at LA State Historic Park

September 15 – A League of Their Own at North Hollywood Recreation Center


For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eatseehear.com.

Story by We Like LA.

Rodeo Realty’s Joe Babajian sells Spanish Revival estate for $22 million

Featured in the Los Angeles Times is a Spanish Revival estate, which has sold for $22 million. Joe Babajian of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills was one of the listing agents to the Beverly Hills property.

The home, which is situated at the end of a long driveway on a private promontory, has nearly 8,700 sq. ft. of living space that includes formal living and dining rooms, a chef’s kitchen, seven bedrooms, and nine bathrooms. The guesthouse also comes with a large bedroom suite.

Outdoors, private and lush grounds feature a gorgeous shell-shaped swimming pool and decks, which overlooks breathtaking views from ocean to downtown and captures pastoral views of hills and Franklin Canyon.

To read the LA Times article on this listing, click HERE.