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October 6, 2017

Hikes in Los Angeles with amazing endings

Los Angeles’s wealth of outdoors activities is no secret, and now that fall is here, it should be cool enough to enjoy being outside the house during the day.

Hiking is a great, cheap way to enjoy the fresh air and fantastic weather, but for those more reluctant hikers—folks who need a little carrot to dangle in front of them as they trudge up a hill—we’ve compiled a list of Los Angeles-area hikes that all come with spectacular sights along the way or at the end: waterfalls, stunning views, unique leftovers from heydays as a filming site. So bribe friends and family by promising them a cool dip in a waterfall or a selfie with some leftovers of a M*A*S*H episode, and hit the trails.

Even though it’s technically fall, it’s still a good idea to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and pack more water than you anticipate needing. This list of hiking essentials is a good way to prepare for even the shortest of walks in the wilderness.

Now, time to hit the trail!

1. Malibu Creek State Park

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Hikes in Malibu Creek State Park have Hollywood connections, as the park includes areas that were used to shoot M*A*S*H and South Pacific. There are some rusted Army Jeeps and other signs of filming here, and it seems like every hiker who passes through stops to have her picture taken with one of the rusty relics.

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The hike to this point and back is under 5 miles round-trip and gains less than 200 feet of elevation, making it a pretty good trip for families with kids who can be coerced onto the trail.

Heads up: You will have to pay the $12 entrance fee to park in the lot if you want to start the hike at Crags Road; the trailheads for South Grassland Trail and Cistern Trail are both close to free parking. Hikespeak offers good directions with pictures here.

2. Echo Mountain

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Want to have a picnic among some picturesque ruins? The trail to Altadena’s Echo Mountain will make you work for it. Beginning at the very top of Lake Avenue and through a big, beautiful gate, the 5-mile (round-trip) trail is all steep-ish switchbacks and little shade, but it is very well-maintained. It’s also peopled enough that a solo hiker can feel secure.

The reward is a dynamic history exhibit and shaded, very spread-out picnic space left over from the resort that used to be on the site.

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There are also large pieces of the dismantled Mt. Lowe Railroad that once brought resort-bound vacationers here, and an old metal echo phone; yell into it and have your words bounce off the mountains back to you. Amazing! Click over to SoCal Hiker for image-heavy directions.

3. Wildwood Canyon

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Burbank’s Wildwood Canyon offers an easy-to-moderate 2-mile loop, with a peak providing sweaty explorers some amazing city views and a permanent reclining chair/memorial on which to kick back and relax until it’s time to carry on.

There are picnic grounds, restrooms, and drinking water off of Wildwood Canyon Road, too, so you can compare photos and munch post-hike snacks while you sit down and cool off. Get there early, though: The park closes at sundown.

4. Eaton Canyon

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Eaton Canyon’s lower waterfall is looking fairly robust right now, likely thanks to snowmelt. (The upper falls are closed indefinitely.) The hike to the falls is relatively shady and relatively flat—the roughly 3-mile round-trip hike only gains about 375 feet.

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Start hiking from the nature center, where there are restrooms, water, and people to talk to about the trails. This is a really nice novice hike or ideal for a day when you don’t feel like being in pain later.

5. Murphy Ranch

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By now, a lot of people know about Murphy Ranch—the compound built by 1930s Nazi sympathizers in Malibu’s Rustic Canyon that was eventually supposed to have enough self-contained infrastructure to provide for a small town’s worth of people. But who has really gone through the trouble of seeing the place for themselves?

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This generally flat hike comes in at just under 4 miles and starts only a few miles from the 405. The grounds are graffiti-covered but the structures that were built are still mostly in one piece (or in discernible pieces), and there are staircases and gates still standing, too. It was rumored last year that the buildings were being torn down, but photos show that it remains a really well-preserved site in a beautiful setting. Hikespeak provides detailed directions from the start of the trail.

6. Mount Wilson

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If all of the trails above seem too tame, there’s always the hike from Sierra Madre’s Chantry Flat to Mt. Wilson, which is a punishing but beautiful trail about 7 miles up with a 4,200-foot gain in elevation. Lots of people do this hike as conditioning, to work up to bigger peaks.

One great reward at the end—if you’re up for it by then—is the Mount Wilson Observatory’s weekend tours, which run through the end of November. Tours start promptly at 1 p.m. and offer visitors a chance to see the 100-inch telescope. You can catch it if you start the hike early enough, a good idea anyway because the parking at Chantry Flat fills up fast.

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Added bonuses for visiting the Observatory are the snack shack (also open through November), which offers cold drinks and food you might buy at a local softball game—chili dogs, Fritos, etc.—and restrooms. Plus, at the parking lot right below the Observatory, some kind soul might be waiting in a car to take your tired bones home.

The lot is about 30 minutes north of La Cañada. Cars parked in the lot will need a $5 day-use Adventure Pass, available for purchase at multiple locations.

Hikers could also continue back down for an approximately 14-mile hike, if desired. Detailed directions here.

7. Solstice Canyon

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Solstice Canyon is a popular hike and with good reason: The trail takes hikers past waterfalls, the ruins of a burned-out Paul R. Williams mansion called Tropical Terrace, and the remains of what was once believed to be the oldest building in Malibu.

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The National Park Service maintains a great website with directions to the trailhead and a downloadable map. If you go up the Rising Sun Trail and down the Solstice Canyon Trail to the TRW Trail, as suggested by Robert Stone in his book Day Hikes Around Los Angeles, it’s about 6 miles total. ModernHiker takes a slightly different route.

8. Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

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This Inland Empire hike is a strenuous but beautiful 12-mile roundtrip climb that offers vistas and glimpses of streams. A word of caution: At this elevation, you’re high enough to get some snow, but this hike isn’t a good idea if there’s snow on the ground.

The first part of the trek, up the trail through Icehouse Canyon, is well traveled and easy to follow. After Icehouse Saddle, the trail to Cucamonga Peak becomes “rugged, unkempt, and solitary,” Modern Hikernotes. The final leg of the trail serves up great views of the “Baldy Bowl,” the carved-out valley ringed by Mt. Baldy and neighboring mountains.

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At the very top of Cucamonga Peak, there are Inland Empire views as far as the eye can see and the knowledge that you gained 3,800 feet in elevation. (Or maybe the real reward is a burger and a beer at the Mt. Baldy Lodge? Either way!)

Modern Hiker notes that an Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead to this hike, and a wilderness permit is required for traveling through the Cucamonga Wilderness. Inquire about both at the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center.

Article courtesy of Curbed.

September 22, 2017

Weekend Events: September 22 – 24

This weekend (September 22-24) includes Museum Day Live!, Dino Fest at Natural History Museum, Time Out’s Battle of the Burger, a 90’s Secret Arcade Party hosted by Playboy, the Abbot Kinney Community Fest, a Bloody Mary Festival and LOTS more.

Enjoy!

Friday September 22nd, 2017

1. The 22nd Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival happening Sept. 22 to 24 will bring 27,000 fresh Maine lobsters to the South Bay for mouth-watering dishes, alongside an impressive music line-up all weekend! Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. An official Burning Man regional event, the Venice Afterburn comes to Venice Beach’s Windward Plaza on Sept. 22 and 23 offering a less hectic — not to mention less dusty — place to continue enjoying art and creativity after two days on the playa. Open to burners and non-burners alike the event is put on by the folks behind the Venice Art Crawl.

3. The Actors Gang in Culver City will open their season with Captain Greedy’s Carnival, a musical satire mocking greed, humbug, corruption and predatory capitalism. Follow the story of four innocents who get tricked by a legendary con man. From there on they’ll encounter freaks, illusion, terrifying exhibitions and more. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. Cheer on the Dodgers as they go up against the San Francisco Giants. Spend an evening at iconic Dodger Stadium and dine on the newly revamped menu as you watch the boys in blue. The night will end with a spectacular fire works show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Black Rabbit Rose, part theater for magic and variety acts and part craft cocktail bar, takes you into their retro-style cabaret shows set in an intimate and mysterious setting. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. LA Confidential at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Dirty Dancing at Montalban in Hollywood.

7. Pacific Standard Time LA/LA is in full swing with a four-month-long exploration of Latin American and Latino art in relation to the City of Angels. Led by The Getty the high profile event is a collaborative effort with dozens of art institutions across the city. Check out our top highlights here.

8. The LA County Fair takes over the Fairplex in Pomona from Sept. 1 to 24 with fair-style foods, live musical performances, carnival-style games, rides, and unique attractions such as an expanded farm section (over five acres) featuring tons of interactive agricultural experiences for guests to enjoy. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

9. Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is hosting the fourth annual Celebration of Food and Wine (Sept. 22-23) The two day party includes an intimate champagne reception, breakfast on the beach, a cocktail competition, a farm-driven grand tasting dinner, live entertainment, and much more.

10. Movie Under The Stars at Malibu Wines will screen Mama Mia! Admission is free but they suggest each party purchase a bottle of wine. Cheers!

11. The Pasadena Greek Fest happening Sept. 22 to 24 will feature classic Greek dishes, drinks, dancing, kid friendly activities and much more.

12. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. The Alchemist’s Lab is an escape room experience putting you right in the shoes of a junior detective at Scotland Yard in the 19th century. Do you have what it takes to uncover the devious plans of the alchemist? Happening throughout the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. Sip wine perched on a iconic L.A. hill that’s also home to an architectural gem at The Barnsdall Art Park’s annual Wine Tasting Nights. Now in its ninth year, the series feature tastings of boutique artisanal wines, along with food trucks, amazing food pop-ups and this Friday includes music from KCRW DJ Marion Hodges.

15. LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program provides hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their jazz series continues at the BP Grand Entrance.

16. Free admission day: Long Beach Museum of Art.

Saturday September 23rd, 2017

17. Museum Day Live!, is a special day where participating museums across the country will offer free admission to any and all guests presenting a free online voucher. Locally, there will be 10 museums in L.A. County who will be participating! FREE

18. Eat|See|Hear is having a FREE screening of The Goonies at ROW DTLA. FREE

19. For the first time ever, the Bloody Mary Festival will land in L.A. this Saturday. Taking place at Candela the festival will feature some of the best Bloody Marys around town. Some creations will be unique, innovative and some will be old school, attendees will have a chance to taste them all before voting for their favorite.

20. PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park comes to Downtown Los Angeles showcasing short films reflecting the diversity and freshness of creators from the Outfest Fusion Festival. FREE

21. The 2nd annual Dino Fest returns to NHMLA this Sept. 23 to 24 for a weekend of celebrating the prehistoric giants that once ruled the earth.

22. ROW DTLA Block Party is two days (Sept 23-24) of awesome street fair vibes, retail activations, craft workshops, live art installations, yoga, cocktails, food, a free outdoor movie screening of The Goonies, DJ sets and much more! FREE

23. Playboy’s Hidden Arcade event returns this Saturday at Think Tank Gallery for a throwback 90’s Playboy party with classic arcade games, a DJ, drinks and bunnies of course.

24. Head to the Santa Monica Pier and sample wine while catching a live screening of LA Opera’s Carmen. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

25. Stay cool while learning the Winter Olympics sport of curling! Beginner and pros are all welcome. The lesson will feature an excellent introduction to the basics, including sliding stones, sweeping, and game strategy. All equipment is provided. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

26. Los Angeles Green Festival Expo (Sept. 23-24) is a sustainable festival featuring over 200 exhibitors, 50 inspirational speakers and hands-on activities.

27. Cocktails in the City heads to the Los Angeles’ Majestic in Downtown for what they claim as “the largest cocktail festival in California.” Expect 30 bars ready to give guest the unique bar culture LA is recognized for. Each bar is assigned to craft a signature cocktail thats only attainable at the event. Other highlights include a bar school, a craft spirits discovery room, food vendors, live music, and entertainers.

28. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

29. Street Food Cinema this Saturday they will screen Edward Scissorhands at Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

30. Hosted by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden, the Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party returns for a fun filled day of celebration featuring live music and dance, art, food and much more. The garden will also be open for tours and will host kid’s art activities. FREE

31. Descanso Gardens presents Wet & Wonderful: A Celebration of Water. This daylong symposium centers on ways to create beautiful gardens and save our water supply. The educational day of programming is suitable for all ages.

32. There’s an opening reception for a new solo exhibition by street artist D*Face taking place at the Corey Helford Gallery. Flyer and images attached. The theme of his solo show is resurrection of romance in the modern era. During the reception the artist will perform a real marriage ceremony in front of a chapel installation inside the gallery. Open to the public from 7 – 11 p.m. FREE

33. The 2nd annual Next Night Block Party taking place on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, will host a night of fun and partying with highlights that include: live music, food trucks, restaurant specials, a beer & wine garden and pop-up shops.

34. Shop for a great cause! Visit The Humane Society of the United States for a pop-up shop featuring clothing donated by Hollywood celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum, Kate Mara, Ruby Rose and Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Refreshments and light plant-based bites will be served.

35. Produced by the art collective 11:11 the Reseda Rising Artwalk & Night Market is a special night of art installations, live art, a beer garden, a market featuring artists’ work for sale, a drawing workshop, food trucks, live music and a zine fest. This is a family friendley event as well. FREE

36. The Surf City Dog Competition heads to Huntington Beach for a day of fun in the sun where dogs will catch a few waves before the summer weather is over.

37. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. La La Land at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Wonder Woman at Montalban in Hollywood.

38. Get spooked during Paramount Pictures After Dark Tour: Tales From The Other Side where you’ll hear scandals of yesteryear and the lost souls who haunt the studio lot by moonlight. The tour starts at dusk with champagne as you head into the studio lot where you’ll weave in and out of sound stages and the darkest corners of the infamous backlot. You’ll end the night next door at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. Mt. Washington Made is a local craft fair organized by parents at Mt. Washington Elementary School. The annual modern maker marketplace features a variety of local artists, designers, and much more. Event proceeds go toward school programming.

40. UniCon is the first mini convention for “Unicorn Moms” focused on empowering moms to embrace their individuality. Taking place at Sofitel Hotel the day will feature mommy panelists, lifestyle vendors, entertainment, and more.

Sunday September 24th, 2017

41. Help Time Out LA crown the winning champion of the best burger in town during their Battle of the Burger this Sunday. Taking place at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes the burger filled day will feature tastings, Guinness Blonde, friendly competition, music and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

42. The 33rd Annual Abbot Kinney Community Festival will feature over 300 vendors, food trucks, rides, games for kids, four music stages and three beer gardens. FREE

43. It’s Fried Chicken Day at Smorgasburg LA this Sunday! Celebrate National Fried Chicken Month by getting your hands on some of the best fried chicken Los Angeles has to offer. Participants include: Hot Star, Rooster Republic, The Nomad Truck serving a fried chicken burger collaboration with Suzanne Goin, BOLO’s fried chicken sandwich in a Hong Kong style pineapple topped butter bun and Baldoria serving their fried chicken and waffle cone.

44. The American Youth Symphony is hosting a FREE concert at UCLA’s Royce Hall this Sunday. FREE

45. Free museum days: Museum of Latin American Art and Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

Scedule provided by We Like LA.

September 19, 2017

LAX To Bring Cassell's, Trejo's Tacos, Urth Caffe To New Terminal 1 Food Court

Terminal 1 at LAX will continue its upgrade with the arrival of new food options, including Cassell’s Hamburgers, Trejo’s Tacos, and Urth Caffe.

Eater has confirmed the new restaurants coming to Terminal 1, though, and it appears the terminal will finally get the culinary experience it deserves. One of the most notable arrivals is Cassell’s Hamburgers, the iconic Koreatown institution. The spot reopened in 2015 after the last of the original franchise closed in 2012. It has since been a go-to spot for burgers, pies, and milkshakes, and Momofuku’s David Chang has said that it’s among the best in the world. Eater reports the LAX version will also include a bar, providing “craft beer and batch cocktails for speed” to rushed customers.

Eater has also confirmed that Trejo’s Tacos will arrive in the terminal. Danny Trejo’s various food brands around Los Angeles have blown up recently—he opened Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts and Trejo’s Cantina this summer—and it looks like LAX is his next frontier.

Urth Caffe, Einstein Bagels, Pei Wei, and Chick-Fil-A are also among the new names. The restaurants are slated to open by Labor Day in 2018.

Story by LAist.

September 19, 2017

18 Unique Brunches in Los Angeles

Whether you prefer a boozy breakfast or a more caffeinated morning, few weekend outings top a solid brunch experience.

L.A. always offers up a plethora of places to get your brunch on, but sometimes you want to switch things up from your tried-and-true favorites. That’s where this list comes in.

Do you want to try breakfast pizza in a West Adams party atmosphere with live music? Chilaquiles in a 1920s Spanish-style house in Toluca Lake? Share brunch with your pooch in Mid-City? Listen to live jazz at a luxury retreat surrounded by nature in Westlake Village? Imbibe a breakfast Old Fashioned paired up with duck hash in Playa del Rey? We’ve got choices.

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1. The Mar Vista (Mar Vista)

This gorgeous space, opened in early 2017, is loaded with greenery and features a smartly designed Murphy bed-style stage that can be eased down the wall for frequent musical performances. Dedicated to using “ugly” produce, the Mar Vista’s menu is globally inspired and a refreshing addition to the up-and-coming neighborhood. This Sunday-only brunch is served in the company of chill DJ-spun tunes and live art. Food options include a beautiful “cranked bowl” of yogurt and shredded frozen fruit, chilaquiles, a smoked salmon-loaded baked potato, and a bacon & egg hotpot. Pair them with a bellini or a michelada for a boozy affair. -> More info here

2. Manuela (DTLA)

Located at Hauser & Wirth gallery, Manuela is an art-laden restaurant with a menu heavy on fermenting, pickling, preserving and in-house smoking. Many of the herbs, vegetables and fruit served here are grown right outside in Hauser & Wirth’s garden, while eggs come directly from the 12 rare-breed chickens in the adjacent chicken runs. Brunch offerings include hush puppies with molasses butter, grilled Texas quail with labne, a deer burger, Dungeness Crab Louie, and cinnamon churros with dulce de leche. -> More info here

3. Jane Q (Hollywood)

Located at the just-opened Everly Kimpton Hotel near the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, Jane Q. is a bright, airy, counter-style spot utilizing lots of fresh-off-the-farm produce. For brunch, try the Savannah B.E.L.T. sandwich (pickled green tomato, pimento cheese, bacon candy and a fried egg), the roasted sweet potato with spiced walnuts, yogurt and pickled Fresno chiles, duck confit monkey bread enrobed in mushrooms and melted teleggio cheese, or the avocado parfait. Pair these dishes with an Aperol spritz, Smog City coffee porter, or Sicilian coffee. -> More info here

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4. The Ponte (Beverly Grove)

If the idea of pasta for breakfast appeals to you, check out this casually elegant Italian eatery that’s drawing crowds for its excellent Italian cuisine and superior cocktail list. At brunch, standout dishes include spaghetti pomodoro, which The Ponte’s chef Scott Conant perfected during his years with Scarpetta, and Eggs in Purgatory. A scrumptious take on shakshuka, it features eggs poached in house-made puttanesca sauce atop creamy polenta. Sip on a Lucano Correcto (composed of coffee-infused amaro, rum, coffee liqueur, coffee, chocolate bitters and cream) or the Bloody Mary made with green chile vodka. -> More info here

5. Herringbone (Santa Monica)

This seafood-focused eatery in Santa Monica offers a gorgeous, beachy decor, lush greenery, a playful vibe, and extremely fresh and delicious fish. Oyster fans will want to check out the Salt & Brine Bar’s fresh oysters with kimchi mignonette. At brunch, try the lobster scramble with Maine lobster and caviar, or the crab cake benedict with sriracha hollandaise. You can enjoy endless rose at brunch for $25. -> More info here

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6. Friends & Family (East Hollywood)

Located in East Hollywood’s Thai Town, Friends & Family’s brunch is exceptional, offering dishes like olive oil fried eggs topped with chickpeas, harisa & yogurt with olive toast; baked pancake with rhubarb/blood orange house-made preserves; and duck in the hole (an egg fried within a slice of crusty bread, with a duck drumstick on the side). All the jams, breads and pastries served here are made in house, while heritage grains are used for the baked goods. Standout baked options include summer corn hand pie, spinach breakfast galette, and bacon leek quiche. Cool off with the agua fresca of the day. And who says you can’t finish your meal with a meringue ice cream sandwich? -> More info here

7. Delicious Pizza (West Adams)

Delicious Pizza — from the guys who started Delicious Vinyl — is home to one of the most delicious and unique brunch options in Los Angeles. At their West Adams location, it’s a friendly, multicultural scene that frequently offers live hip hop and jazz on Sundays. Check out the current exhibit at the location’s art gallery, then settle yourself on the spacious back patio to savor brunch selections like the Pick Me Up Pizza (topped with ricotta, mozzarella, homemade sausage and eggs), the Lean Green Pizza (laden with pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, roasted peppers, pureed eggplant, basil and eggs), fluffy ricotta-heavy pancakes and some very tasty sangria. -> More info here

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8. Aroha (Westlake Village)

The only New Zealand eatery in L.A., Aroha is a beautiful, romantic space that’s great for anyone eating gluten-free, as every item on the brunch menu can be made sans gluten. Top brunch dishes include banana pancakes with rum caramel, caramelized pineapple pancakes, and New Zealand venison sausage and eggs. Try a brunch cocktail like the Hamilton (sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, lavender and lemon) or the Aroha Nui (Mount Gay Rum with butterfly pea flower). -> More info here

9. Baltaire (Brentwood)

A beautifully sprawling dining room, a huge patio with a retractable roof, a ridiculously good-looking clientele and a cut-above wine list help make this ultra-glamorous Brentwood steakhouse a superior place for brunch (or any meal, for that matter). Try a glass of rosé with a globally inspired dish like the albacore and salmon poké bowl with yuzu ponzu, avocado, and house-pickled vegetables, Eggs Sardou with artichoke hearts, spinach, and hollandaise on a housemade cheddar-scallion biscuit, roasted cauliflower steak with lentil chimichurri and sunny-side-up egg, or an ahi nicoise with banyuls vinaigrette & peewee potatoes. -> More info here

10. mar’sel at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)

At mar’sel, enjoy stunning ocean views, exquisite food, and unique drink offerings like the Pacific Granita (a cocktail served tableside and cooled with liquid nitrogen until frozen), seasonal mocktails, and a sangria basket for two. The aforementioned basket offers your choices of three unusual sangrias, including a Pinot Grigio-based sangria with St. Germain, apricot, peach, lavender, gooseberries and a carafe of Prosecco for topping up. Notable brunch dishes include grilled wagyu with roasted bone marrow rice, bok choy, yuzu aioli, and a 65-degree egg; buttermilk fried chicken with a green juice shooter, kimchee, and wild arugula; and black-ink flatbread served with a soft scrambled eggs, diced pancetta, shaved pepato cheese and red chili. -> More info here

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11. The Bellwether (Studio City)

How do you improve on a Bloody Mary? Find out at The Bellwether in Studio City, where Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary is not only made from vodka infused in-house with habanero, but is also garnished with an adorable mini BLT. This Studio City eatery also features Pimm’s Cups, cocktails on tap, and brunch dishes like Eggs in Purgatory (baked in spicy tomato sauce with Calabrian chili, ciabatta bread and pecorino), the Ploughman’s Burger with Branston pickle and clothbound cheddar, or a vanilla kouign-amann. -> More info here

12. Sawyer (Silver Lake)

Serving up seasonal California cuisine with a nod to Southern U.S. influences, this Silver Lake eatery, inspired by Mark Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, is a beautiful, airy space offering superior cocktails and seafood-centric fare. Try brunch on their lovely patio, enclosed with birch trees, olive trees and vibrant bougainvillea on chilly days the roaring fireplace can be seen put to use. Standouts include smoked trout salad with horseradish creme fraiche, Maine lobster roll, the catfish po’ boy, pork loin breakfast sandwich and cornmeal blueberry pancakes. -> More info here

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13. Ray’s & Stark Bar (Mid-Wilshire)

Situated next to LACMA behind one of L.A.’s most iconic photo sites/artworks —- Chris Burden’s Urban Light — Ray’s recently instituted its “Barky Brunch,” with a menu of canine-friendly dishes, including a chicken liver and brown rice cookie, a steamed chicken and broccoli bowl or a giant bone shaped pizza crust. Their human companions can brunch on dishes like a crispy pork belly sandwich with scrambled eggs and arugula; Croque Madame with béchamel, pistachio ham, aged gruyere, fried egg, and rosemary; or eggs tartine with Maitake mushrooms. -> More info here

14. The Tripel or Playa Provisions (Playa del Rey)

Brooke Willamson’s two Playa del Rey restaurants both offer great brunch experiences. Like the idea of a beer-centric brunch? Then visit The Tripel, known for its amazing beer flights. Here you can savor unique brunchy fare like the sweet carrot farrow with wilted kale, linguica, poached egg, and truffle pecorino, or duck hash with lobster-salted peewee potatoes, duck confit, fried egg, pancetta, and vinegar-cooked greens. At Playa Provisions, you can gaze upon the beach, listen to live jazz, sip the Breakfast Old Fashioned (bourbon, cold brewed coffee, Frangelico, and chocolate bitters) and partake in a coconut chia seed pudding, a bagel topped with beet-cured salmon, or Nutella and banana French toast. -> More info here and here

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15. Cascabel (Toluca Lake)

This unique Mexican restaurant is housed within a beautiful 1920s Spanish house with original details. Exposed beams, wooden floors, windows made of leaded or stained glass, seating made of turquoise velvet or burnished leather, and an enormous snake painted on one of the walls all contribute to the very cool decor at Cascabel. Serving Mexican food with a strong L.A. influence, you’ll want to sip on a rosewater margarita, a michelada or a jamaica sangria while enjoying dishes like smoked bacon guacamole, chile relleno with chorizo, shrimp and chile soup, toast topped with anchovies, or chilaquiles with sesame salsa. To really enliven an already festive scene, Cascabel will soon feature live Latin Rock bands during Sunday brunch. -> More info here

16. The Raymond (Pasadena)

Housed within a 19th-century Craftsman house, The Raymond is a gorgeous spot to get your brunch on. Tucked away off Fair Oaks Avenue the location transports guests into a serine hideaway from the bustling streets of Pasadena. At 1886, The Raymond’s bar, talented mixologists painstakingly create some of the best cocktails in Los Angeles. A perfect brunch libation is the gin-based Ramos Fizz, lightly fragranced with orange-flower water and topped with frothy egg white. Or you may want to try a whimsically named cocktail such as the Foghorn Leghorn (made with peach black tea-infused bourbon) or the mezcal-based Woody Woodpecker from the new Cartoons & Cocktails menu. Brunch-time standouts include grapefruit brûlée, apple fritters with maple syrup, avocado eggs benedict topped with chipotle hollandaise, and savory breakfast tacos stuffed with lightly gamey house-made lamb bacon, avocado, black beans and fried eggs. -> More info here

17. Four Seasons (Westlake Village)

Located in Westlake Village, the verdant Four Seasons Hotel is an outstanding place to get away from it all. Lushly landscaped and surrounded by mountains, the resort offers a Jazz and Champagne Brunch every Sunday on its gorgeous Waterfall Lawn. Listen to live jazz as you sip champagne and enjoy the farm-to-table buffet featuring freshly made sushi, crab legs and other seafood, fresh-baked bread, organic produce and much more. -> More info here

18. Valerie Confections (Echo Park)

Valerie Confections offers up tea and dishes that pair well with it, their recently expanded tea program includes small-batch artisanal tea brands offering robust flavors like velvet cacao, blood orange, and smoky green akinomori houjicha. Settle in on the shaded patio with a hot, aromatic cup as you enjoy dishes like kale and goat cheese bread pudding with a fried egg, the croque madame with onion marmalade, or an herb-and-goat-cheese scone. -> More info here

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

September 18, 2017

Planning Commission approves two-tower project near LA Live

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission gave its approval Thursday to a massive mixed use project set to rise across the street from LA Live.

The project, proposed by developer Shenzhen Hazens, would replace the existing Luxe City Center Hotel on Figueroa Street with a pair of towers rising from a flashy podium structure. Previous plans called for three towers, but the developer recently unveiled an alternative design consolidating the project into two structures.

The taller tower, designed by Steinberg Architects, would rise 49 stories and include 435 units of housing. The other structure, designed by Gensler, would be a 29-story hotel tower operated by W Hotels. It would have 300 rooms (significantly more than the 178 offered at Luxe City Center).

The two buildings would be connected by a three to five-level podium adorned with digital signs—in keeping with plans for many of the new projects planned for the Figueroa Corridor.

In addition to the hotel rooms and housing units, the project would also feature a total of 58,959 square feet of commercial space, including shops, bars, and restaurants. A total of 738 parking spaces for cars and 654 spots for bikes would be found in a four-level subterranean parking lot.

A pair of public plazas would be located at the base of the development, intended to provide a pedestrian connection to the project along Figueroa Street and at the corner of Figueroa and Olympic Boulevard.

Now approved by the planning commission, the project will next go before the city council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

Article courtesy of Curbed.

September 12, 2017

The Broad Releasing More Tickets For Yayoi Kusama 'Infinity' Mirror Rooms

Were you one of the unlucky ones who didn’t snag a ticket to the upcoming extended Infinity Room exhibit at the Broad? If so, luck is in your favor, because the museum plans to release 40,000 more tickets for the selfie-ready exhibit.

The additional tickets will go on sale Monday, October 2 at 12 p.m. This won’t be the same process as the first ticket go-around, though. Instead of sitting in an online waiting room with no knowledge of your chances, the museum will host a waiting room from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on its website. At noon, you’ll receive one of two messages: either you’ve received a randomized number giving you access to buy tickets, or you didn’t.

How are they managing to sell more tickets for a specifically-timed exhibit? Well, the Broad knows what the people want, and apparently the people want to come to the exhibit outside normal museum hours. Normally the museum opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on popular nights. For the exhibit’s two-month run, however, the Infinity Rooms will be open for a few hours outside of those regular hours. Here are the new special times:

Tuesday/Wednesday: 5-7 p.m.
Thursday/Friday: 10-11 a.m., 8-9 p.m.
Saturday: 9-10 a.m., 8-10 p.m.
Sunday: 9-10 a.m., 6-8 p.m.

That’s an extra 14 hours of Instagram content per week.

If you still don’t manage to get a ticket ahead of time, the museum will be offering a limited number of first-come, first-served, same-day standby tickets for the exhibit. Online, the tickets will cost $25; in person, they’ll be $30.

And remember, this exhibit isn’t for those who spend long amounts of time absorbing art. You’ll have 30 seconds of personal time in each room (infinity mirrors =/= infinity time) and about 15 minutes of group time at each room while everyone waits for the 25-person group to finish cycling through the space. If all goes well, you’ll leave with six new photos to fill your Instagram grid and some newfound connections with other digitally-obsessed museum-goers (or, at least, some new followers).

Article courtesy of LAist.

September 1, 2017

Things to do This September in Los Angeles

Can you believe it’s already September!! Where has this year gone? Well if you don’t have any plans for this month, take a look at the list below. There are plenty of events going on this month! Enjoy!

1. The LA County Fair Returns (Sept. 1-24)

The LA County Fair returns to the Fairplex in Pomona September 1- 24 to kick off the fall with some delicious food and fun. -> More information

2. L.A. Times The Taste (Sept. 1-3)

Hosted from September 1-3, the event features five events with tastings from some of L.A.’s best chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists. -> More information

3. Made in LA Fest at Golden Road Brewing (Sept. 2-3)

Made in LA is a music fest that celebrates Los Angeles-based creators with a lineup that includes legendary West Coast rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G, YACHT, Buyepongo, Korey Dane, Maxim Ludwigas, and more. -> More information – Discount tickets

4. Fiesta Hermosa (Sept. 2-4)

Hermosa Beach’s 45th annual Fiesta Hermosa takes place from September 2-4 and features some 300 vendors, food, a kiddie play area and much more! -> More information

5. Long Beach Original Lobster Festival (Sept. 8-10)

The festival features fresh Maine lobster, live music, face painting, karaoke, arts & crafts booths, a petting zoo, plus various wine/beer gardens. -> More information – Discount tickets

6. Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival (Sept. 10)

The Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival comes to the La Plaza de Cultres y Artes on September 10 for a full day of exhibits, storytelling, author meet-and-greets, workshops, activities, food and much more. Entry is free!-> More information

7. Grand Park Presents a Beat Swap Meet (Sept. 10)

Calling all music lovers & aficionados, Grand Park is hosting a FREE record & vinyl swap meet alongside live art-making, entertainment & a classic car show! -> More information

8. Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo (Sept. 15)

The LA Zoo’s signature summer music series concludes on September 15 with a themed night of 80s vs. 90’s music. Activities for the evening with include live bands, DJs, pop-up zoo keeper talks, special animal encounters, food trucks, lawn games and more. -> More information – Discount tickets

9. Los Angeles Anime Film Festival (Sept. 15-17)

Los Angeles Anime Film Festival celebrates 100 years of anime films during its three-day event September 15-17 at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE. -> More information

10. Tarfest at the La Brea Tar Pits (Sept. 16)

The 15th annual Tarfest is back for 2017 with a FREE showcase of music, dance, live artwork, a biergarten and wine Bar,and installations, all at the iconic La Brea Tar Pits. -> More information

11. Open Arts + Music Festival in Downtown Glendale (Sept. 16)

The Open Arts & Music Festival, a FREE event on September 16, returns to Downtown Glendale with music from Run River North, DUCKWRTH & more, along with craft beers, kiddie fun, $1 vinyl and much more. -> More information

1. Free Admission at 50+ SoCal Museums to Help Launch PST: LA/LA (Sept. 17)

As part of the launch for Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA over 50 SoCal museums will offer free admission on Sunday, September 17. -> More information

13. The 22nd Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival (Sept. 22-24)

The food festival will bring 27,000 fresh Maine lobsters to the South Bay for mouth-watering dishes, alongside an impressive music line-up all weekend! -> More information – Discount tickets

14. Surf City Dog Competition in Huntington Beach (Sept. 23)

The dog days of summer are coming to a close, but not without a bang. What better way to recognize the end of summer than with a dog surfing competition? -> More information

15. PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park (Sept. 23)

PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park comes to Downtown Los Angeles on September 23. The evening will showcase short films reflecting the diversity and freshness of creators from the Outfest Fusion Festival.. This is a FREE event for the LGBTQ community and its allies. -> More information

16. Dino Fest at Natural History Museum (Sept. 23-24)

The 2nd annual Dino Fest returns to NHMLA this September 23-24 for a weekend of celebrating the prehistoric giants that one ruled the earth. -> More information

17. Los Angeles Green Festival Expo (Sept. 23-24)

The two-day sustainable festival starts at 10 a.m. on September 23-24 will feature over 200 exhibitors, 50 inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. -> More information

18. The 33rd Annual Abbot Kinney Community Festival (Sept. 24)

The FREE community festival will feature over 300 quality vendors, food trucks, rides and games for kids, 4 music stages and 3 beer gardens! -> More information

19. UnSilent Cinema at FIGat7th (Sept. 28-29)

UnSilent Cinema is a two-day showcase of classic silent films enlivened by contemporary live scores. The back-to-back evenings will feature a happy hour in the TASTE courtyard, a DJ at the FIGat7th plaza, plus screenings of The Goddess scored by Juana Molina on Thursday and The Passion of Joan of Arc scored by Julia Holteron on Friday. Admission is free! -> More information

20. Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE (Sept. 29)

Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE on September 29 will feature $5 food and drink menus, live music, street performers, and a marketplace featuring eclectic goods from local artisans and vendors. -> More information

21. Music Tastes Good Festival in Long Beach (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1)

Music Tastes Good comes to Marina Green Park in Long Beach on September 30 and October 1 for two days of music, food, and art with Peaches, Sleater-Kinney & more. -> More information

Event schedule courtesy of We Like LA.

August 24, 2017

Free Shuttle Service Coming To West Hollywood

Starting March 2018, Sunset Strip visitors will be able to get around on the weekends a little bit easier.

The West Hollywood City Council has voted to pilot a free six-month shuttle service for the Sunset Strip area.

The shuttle will go west along Sunset from Fairfax Avenue before turning south on Doheny Drive and heading east along Melrose. The shuttle will turn back north along San Vicente Boulevard to Sunset and continue east until dipping down to Santa Monica Boulevard between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Fairfax–providing better connectivity with popular restaurants such as Laurel Hardware.

The shuttle is expected to run between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

The pilot program is meant to promote nightlife around the strip and gives visitors a better option than the $30 parking lots. Aside from that, it will allow people to travel the Strip without worrying about driving while under the influence.

After the six months, the city will assess the program’s effectiveness and to decide whether to continue it further.

August 18, 2017

Proposed DTLA Tower Could Become Southern California's Tallest Residential Building

Plans for a 70-story, 810-foot mixed-use development have been revealed for downtown Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood. The tower is currently referred to as 1045 Olive and it will be the tallest residential building in Southern California.

According to Urbanize LA, 1045 Olive will include 794 apartments, and 12,504 sq. ft. of retail space.

The building is being developed by Miami-based Crescent Heights, which also developed Century City’s Ten Thousand tower along Santa Monica Boulevard, and was designed by ODA New York. According to Curbed, no low-income units have been decided on for the building. The Los Angeles Business Journal mentioned Crescent Heights paid $11.5 million for the half-acre site in 2015.

A development timeline has not been revealed.

August 18, 2017

Where To Find Eclipse Glasses In Los Angeles

Monday will bring a historic, total eclipse of the sun—the first total eclipse to cross the lower 48 U.S. states in 38 years. Here in L.A., we won’t quite reach totality (more like 70%) but it will still be extremely dangerous for your eyes to look directly at the sun.

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun, according to our friends at NASA, is through special-purpose solar filters like “eclipse glasses.” However, as you would imagine, said glasses have become quite the hot commodity as eclipse mania descends.

The glasses were formerly available at REI stores, but according to a Santa Monica REI store employee, that location is sold out—as are the rest of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force-approved REI stores in the city.

To make matters worse, experts have been warning of the potential for counterfeit glasses, which could damage viewers’ eyes. So where can the real deal still be procured?

Libraries
Try your local library. A selection of both city and county libraries across the L.A. area will be having eclipse viewing events on Monday, with free glasses stocked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Important note: the glasses will only be available for participants, during the actual events. The full list of participating county libraries can be found here, and participating city libraries here.

7-Eleven
7-Eleven is another one of the handful of retailers listed on the Task Force’s site. We haven’t had much luck finding anything in stock by calling around, but given the sheer number of 7-Eleven locations in Los Angeles, giving your neighborhood outpost a call is probably worth a shot. Most eclipse viewers are priced at $2 to $3.

Your nearest 7-Eleven store can be found here.

The Stellar Emporium Gift Shop At The Griffith Observatory
The Stellar Emporium gift shop at the Griffith Observatory will be selling a limited number of eclipse glasses (priced at $5) every day until the big event. There was already a line of people waiting outside when the store opened at noon on Thursday, so we recommend getting there early if you want to snag a pair.

The Stellar Emporium is located at 2800 E Observatory Road in Griffith Park. They open at noon on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Warby Parker
As mentioned above, Warby Parker was giving out free glasses—all of which have now been distributed from their Los Angeles locations. However, an employee at the Warby Parker Green Room location in West Hollywood told LAist that there was a chance their L.A. locations might get a few more in over the weekend… So, fingers crossed, it might be worth dropping by your local Warby Parker store on Saturday or Sunday (they say they won’t be giving out store-specific availability information over the phone). There are four Warby Parker stores in Los Angeles: one in Venice, one in the Arts District, one in West Hollywood, and one at the Standard Hollywood (also technically West Hollywood).

Make Your Own Pinhole Projector
Yes, you can prevent eclipse-blindness with a cereal box (and a few other basic supplies). Here’s a NASA tutorial on how to make your own pinhole projector for safe viewing: