Rodeo Realty

August 28, 2018

Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In LA

The fact that even your dad has heard of cashew cheese and veggie dogs proves that vegan food is officially mainstream. While plant-based eaters were once relegated to steamed veggies and pasta with marinara sauce on many menus, LA’s restaurant scene has changed faster than you can say teriyaki tofu to capture the veg-head set. From high-end hip spots to fast-casual finds, it’s easier than ever to go veggie when dining out, whether you’re a die-hard vegan or an open-minded omnivore looking to expand your meatless horizons — here are 15 top spots for vegetarian and vegan eats in LA worth knowing.

CULVER CITY, ECHO PARK, PASADENA

This trio of organic vegan eateries boasts a massive menu running the gamut from tacos and tostadas to burgers and banh mi, along with a creative selection of pizzas and Sage’s signature cauliflower-based wings. Founder Mollie Angelheart’s small-batch raw vegan ice cream is available at all three locations as are wine, cocktails, and craft brews. The larger Culver City venue also features a 1,500-square-foot outdoor beer garden.

DOWNTOWN

After a revamp last year by Tony Yannow’s beer-and-vegan-focused Artisanal Brewers Collective, Beelman’s Pub is now simply Beelman’s: a plant-based pub doling out casual fare with Asian influences. There’s snacky stuff like smoked tofu wonton bites, crispy garbanzos tossed with togarashi and gochujang, and heartier offerings including a loco moco bowl made with Impossible meat, tater-tot “Tachos” topped with cashew cheese, and a kicky chili dog. In addition to the big beer selection, the bar’s cocktail menu — including a few offerings on draft and a smattering of frozen drinks — is a solid one.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The growing fast-casual chain now has 13 locations around LA, all of which offer a much-appreciated quick bite for vegans and those who want a break from the Double-Double (hard to believe, but those people do indeed exist). The place offers vegan alternatives not just to burgers, but also stuff like taco salads, brats, and that food-world darling the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. The chain also recently rolled out an all-day breakfast burrito stuffed with soy chorizo and the mung bean-based Just Egg.

VENICE

If you’re looking to seal the deal with a vegetarian, Matthew Kenney’s vegan venue should be your go-to date spot. The space is stunning, the patio is pretty, and you’re in Venice, so it’s automatically uber-cool; then there’s the upscale inventive menu, with seasonal dishes like yellow watermelon poke with gooseberries, cashew raclette, and kelp noodle cacio e pepe. The organic wine list is a good one, and you can also opt for the 6-course tasting menu if you really want to impress.

EL SEGUNDO, PASADENA, SANTA MONICA

Wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil originally founded this string of bright-and-airy eateries, focused on a vegetarian-heavy menu centered around his anti-inflammatory food pyramid; think black rice, berries, kale, and avocado. The result is pretty delicious, drawing in a serious weekend brunch crowd for juices and smoothies, avocado toasts, and egg-and-grain bowls. It’s worth a stop-in for dinner, too, thanks to a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees, along with fresh fruit-laced cocktails and beer and wine.

MARINA DEL REY

We can’t tell you exactly what dishes used be offered at this longstanding Lincoln Avenue bar (famous for its crowd-drawing turtle races) before it reopened last December — and that’s because we don’t know anyone who ever ate there. But after a total renovation both to the formerly divey space and the menu (once again by Artisanal Brewers Collective), there’s all kinds of vegan-friendly fare on offer including a hummus-and-pickled veggie plate, some super salads, an Impossible burger. Bonus: Nearly all of the pizzas can be made with vegan cheese, and even vegan sausage if you like.

HOLLYWOOD, VENICE, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Delis can be dangerous; if you stop paying attention for a second, you might very well wind up devouring a pastrami sandwich the size of your head with a side of mayo-soaked potato salad, and a knish for good measure. Doling out healthy, sustainable fare, Locali can be your safe place with veggie-friendly versions of deli sandwiches including its fabled Reuben, along with quinoa bowls, killer vegan breakfast sandwiches served all day, probiotic smoothies, and coconut fro-yo. There’s omnivorous fare too, but the place is happy to customize dishes and make them vegan-friendly — hear that, every other restaurant in LA?

SILVER LAKE

This vegan New York import has been super-buzzy since opening next to the first 365 by Whole Foods in Silver Lake. It makes everything in-house – from its pesto “meatballs” to its burgers – and also does vegan ice cream, as well as a packed weekend brunch.

VENICE

There is, perhaps, no single restaurant on Abbot Kinney that is more Abbot Kinney than this “vegetable slaughterhouse” that’s equal parts hotspot, brunch hangout, juice bar, and vegetarian eatery housed within an absolutely stunning space, with a people-watching patio we’re assuming costs somewhere around $600 million a month to operate. Look for small plates of veggies as well as larger dishes of stone-oven pizzas, pistachio pesto lasagna, and a mushroom tempura po’ boy — then, wash everything down with a cold-pressed cocktail.

ECHO PARK

Located in an old Vaudeville theater, this Echo Park gastropub touts more than 70 beers on tap along with a vegetarian-heavy menu with both straight veggie items (like a smashed pea toast with almond ricotta and street corn) as well as vegan plays on crab cakes and chili cheese fries — and it throws a couple bones to carnivores with burgers, fish tacos, and pepperoni pizza. On weekends, expect live music from DJ Twist every Friday and Saturday along with a late-night menu until 1am and pizza by the slice till 1:30pm.

WESTWOOD

According to tabloids, for the brief moment Beyonce went vegan, Native Foods was her go-to spot — and if it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for you. The Santa Monica and Culver City locations have closed, but the Westwood store is still going strong, and its various versions of faux meat are so meat-like that they’ll fool all but the most devoted carnivores.

SHERMAN OAKS

The Valley’s stacked with veggie and vegan options, but this meatless Pan-Asian kitchen blasts out coconut curries, pad Thai, and Japanese gyoza that could easily compete with any meatier options. Make sure to hit the goji berry-infused ginger-quinoa fried rice for a bit of sweetness to balance all that savory.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

It’s probably the most famous vegan restaurant in town (and it ain’t cheap), but the Med-inspired fare at Crossroads is always excellent, and the scene’s always a fun one. Start with the lentil flatbread, then work your way through the rest of the menu — highlights include the shishito-and-peach salad, almond ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms, and corn ravioli. End with a hot fudge sundae, and realize that vegans are also capable of walking out of a restaurant filled with regret.

EAST HOLLYWOOD

This hidden Indian restaurant is an all-vegetarian Mecca in a part of town where you’d be far more likely to find a great selection of bargain tires than incredible Far East eats. Step through the iron gate into the surprisingly spacious dining room and order up one of the remarkably reasonably priced combos or curry dishes.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

This vegan Mexican restaurant will make carnivores forget how much they love carne asada with flavorful, organic, plant-based plates of chilaquiles, enchiladas, pozole, coconut ceviche, and plenty of other interesting Mexican-inspired dishes. The cocktails are killer, and there’s a popular $7 food-and-drink happy hour during on weekdays, too.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 27, 2018

The Perfect Los Angeles Day For Every Adventurer

The ideal itinerary in Los Angeles looks different for everyone — and that’s why exploring this place is so mind-blowing. The entire city is a vivid mosaic of beautiful people, places, and things in one place. Where else in the world can you horseback up an arid mountain, grub on burritos on the beach, catch an outdoor movie in a Hollywood cemetery, and top it off with jazz at a Prohibition-era speakeasy… all in 24 hours? Welcome to the laid-back, diverse LA lifestyle — it’s whatever you want to make of it.

FOR THE OUTDOOR-OBSESSED

With over 420 parks and 50 pristine beaches, LA loves itself some nature. Whether you’re an amateur surfer, avid hiker, or pro beach chiller, leaving city limits isn’t necessary.

Paddleboard the Malibu Pier
The secret to experiencing the Malibu Pier without enduring traffic? Get to the ‘bu before 10am. With plenty of SUP board rental shops, paddle out along the pier for morning entertainment while waving hello to world-class surfers and sometimes, even dolphins. Top off with a bite at Malibu Farm Cafe (hello, fried egg sandwich with crispy bacon).

Trot through Will Rogers State Historic Park
Get a dose of 1930s Hollywood at Will Rogers State Historic Park. Home to movie star and legitimate cowboy Will Rogers, the 186-acre park has miles of trails, so do as Rogers would by heading up to Inspiration Point via guided horseback for 360-degree views of the Pacific. You’ll never take a path here you didn’t like.

Hike The Hollywood Sign
For a walkabout you’ll talk about forever, challenge yourself by hiking behind The Hollywood Sign. Take the 6.5 mile Canyon Drive Trail in Griffith Park for a sighting of the actual Bat Cave entrance featured in the ’60s TV series, all leading up to a close-up of the 45-foot-tall letters. Yeah, it’s a touristy thing to do, but that doesn’t discount this as a piece of LA’s soul.

Skate The Strand
Crashing waves. Palm trees. Ice cream shops. Skate parks. The West Side’s 22-mile beach boardwalk, The Strand, is the good kind of sensory overload, so let pure Los Angeles subsume your exercise. Beginning in Malibu and ending at Torrance Beach, it’s totally bikeable, but hit the boardwalk on roller skates for the most LA kind of workout.

Enjoy a campfire at Dockweiler Beach
This gem in Playa Del Rey is illuminated at dusk. Over 40 fire pits dot one of the few beaches in the city that allows such things. Not to mention, grills are permitted, so a post-beach day BBQ is on the menu. Just be sure to get there early — fire pits are on a first-come, first-served basis.

FOR THE FOODIE

LA’s urban sprawl has allowed neighborhoods to evolve into mini cultural hubs — and hybrids. The result? LA cuisine is a foodie community that thrives on authenticity and is a total blessing to taste your way through.

Grand Central Market
With over 25 food vendors, the hard part about ordering at Grand Central Market is narrowing it down among Jewish delis, Mexican candy shops, and breakfast sandwiches. Open since 1917, you’ll feel the history as you eat and drink counter-side at spots like the sustainable Oyster Gourmet and rightfully cultish EggSlut.

The Apple Pan
There’s a reason Apple Pan hasn’t changed recipes like the Hickory Burger since the ’40s. Head here for the most all-American burger and apple pie combo you’ll try outside the midwest. Located on Pico Boulevard for the past 70 years, it’s even got kitschy decor and swivel bar stools that make it that much cooler.

Tacos Baja
Everyone in LA has a go-to Mexican spot they claim is “the best,” but there are certainly unassailable classics around town. Enter: Tacos Baja. The spot is pretty bare bones, but the fish and shrimp tacos at this east LA dive bring in crowds of taco-obsessed people from all over — especially on $1 Wednesdays.

Poke-Poke
Poke-Poke is beloved by both locals and tourists who happen to stumble upon it on The Venice Boardwalk. Their OG poke bowl is a hit for a reason, but order the veggie poke bowl with kale and brown rice and top it with wasabi poke with avocado. Then proceed to walk ten feet to the beach and eat it next to a palm tree. Welcome to heaven.

Cole’s
Late-night grub tastes better when there’s a speakeasy nearby. This is the case at Cole’s, downtown’s historic (110 years strong!) saloon beloved for its massive French dip sandwiches, spicy garlic tots, and bourbon pecan pie. Totally up to you whether to sip drinks in between bites at the counter or enjoy a few post-meal behind the restaurant at Varnish, a Prohibition-era bar.

FOR THE CULTURE ADDICT

It’s no surprise a city that has Hollywood offers world-class art, film, design, and entertainment. That’s why creatives flock to LA — and why you shouldn’t totally write off the Hollywood scene.

The Broad
One of the hottest museum tickets in town (and a free ticket, might I add) is The Broad. With over 2,000 works of art, including interactive exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s Instagram-famous infinity mirror rooms, even the 120,000-square-foot building itself is a masterpiece. Needless to say, reserve tickets in advance.

LA Galaxy Game
The hometown love is deep for all of our teams, but the Galaxy has a particularly devoted fanbase. With games usually kicking off around dusk, die-hard LA Galaxy fans make an event out of it by tailgating. Plus, prolific goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahmoic has helped the Galaxy remain in the top 5 of their conference — so get ready to celebrate a win.

The Getty Villa
Exploring a replica of a 64-acre Roman country house steps away from the Pacific isn’t the worst way to spend an afternoon. The Getty Villa features more than 44,000 ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. There are also four gardens with over 300 types of Mediterranean fauna to leisurely peruse. Time to start living molto bene.

Barnsdall Art Park
The four-acre park above the Hills has a gallery, theater, art center, and the home that defined SoCal architecture. It’s true, a tour through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House will make you appreciate good design, but so will what happens after the tour’s done: wine tastings held every Friday on its manicured front lawn.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Any film fanatic should close out an evening with an outdoor movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Morphing into a giant picnic under the stars, it’s a surreal way to watch classics like The Outsiders, considering some of entertainment’s greatest, like Johnny Ramone and Jayne Mansfield, rest here.

FOR THE NIGHTLIFE LOVER IN THE DAYLIGHT HOURS

LA may not stay open into the wee hours of the night like NYC and Miami, but that’s just because the city does everything its own way. Work a few of these nightlife activities into any day or night out, and it won’t matter that closing time is 2am.

Highland Park Bowl
Highland Park Bowl’s wood-lined alleys are very much part of its vintage allure, but it’s also the live music that’s turned this refurbished space from 1927 into something one-of-a-kind. And with a menu offering a dozen types of Neapolitan-style pizzas, it’s both a solid brunch spot and post-dinner hangout.

Broken Shaker
A day in LA isn’t complete without a rooftop excursion. Head to the top of the Freehand Hotel for its rooftop bar, Broken Shaker, to check this off the list. Before chilling next to the pool, head to the award-winning bar for a downtown-inspired menu with plates like crispy shrimp, potato tacos, and yuzo fried chicken.

Breakroom 86
This ’80s-inspired karaoke joint is actually a secret bar with a hidden loading dock for an entrance. The strange journey there is worth it — think classic arcade games, singing booths decked out with thrift shop finds, and a wall made out of cassette tapes waiting for you on the other side.

FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s easy to photograph every part of the city, but for those with a desire to experience a unique walking tour in LA, a handful of sights will inspire any creator by foot.

See red at El Matador Beach
Welcome to one of the most visually pleasing beaches in SoCal. Not only do the dramatic sea rocks, cliffs, and vista points of El Matador Beach feel like a scene six hours north in Big Sur, morning sunrises while the fog rolls in could very well be a scene from Avatar.

Find depth in the Venice Canals
Whether it’s the beachside skatepark, the murals, or surfers at sunset — Venice is a photographer’s dream. This includes the tropical gardens, pastel rowboats, and old-school bungalows that inhabit The Venice Canal District. It’s the most relaxed walking tour on the west side — and a refreshing break from the same beach photos everyone else is taking.

Preserve a thousand words at The Last Bookstore
Both a bookstore and a record store, it’s selection of books live in an airy loft with dark-wooden staircases, archways made out of cascading novels, and 3D art made out of more books. Secret tunnels and passageways are also made with… more books. It’s just as magical as it sounds.

Article by Thrillist.

August 25, 2018

Economic update for the week ending August 25, 2018

Stocks end week at record highs – Longest Bull Market in history – Stocks ended the week at record highs, for the first time since January, after Fed Chairman Powell released remarks stating that inflation is tame and The Fed no longer fears the economy will overheat and spike inflation. These remarks led investigators to assume he was signing that The Fed was nearing the end of interest rate hikes. The market also surpassed the bull market of the 1990s as the longest bull market ever hitting 3,450 days this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,790.35, up from 25,669.33 last week. It is up 4.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,874.69, up from 2,850.13 last week. It’s up 7.1% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,945.98, up from 7,816.33 last week. It’s up 15.1% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields drop – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.82%, down from 2.87% last week. The 30-year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 2.97%, down from 3.03% last week.

Mortgage rates slightly lower again this week – The August 23, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.51%, down from 4.53% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.98%, down from 4.01% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.82%, down slightly from 3.86% last week.

New home sales dip in July – The Commerce Department reported that sales of new homes dropped to the weakest pace in nine months in July. New home sales fell 1.7% in July from June’s levels to an annualized rate of 627,000 sales. Analysts expected the number to be closer to a rate of 645,000 sales. Prices increased just 1.8% from last July’s levels. Inventory of new homes for sale also increased to a 5.9 month supply in July. That was up from 5.7 months in June.

July U.S. Total existing-home sales – The National Association of Realtors reported that the number of sales of previously-owned homes fell for a fourth straight month in July. Existing-home sales, which include single-family homes, town-homes, condominiums, and co-ops fell 0.7% in July from June. Year-over-year sales were 1.5% below last July’s sales pace. That marked the fifth straight month of year-over-year declines in sales and the slowest pace since 2016. It should be noted that the number of existing- home sales in 2017 was a record number. Home prices continued to increase. The median price paid for an existing-home in July was 4.5% higher than last July. That marked the 77th straight month of year-over-year price increases. Nationally, housing inventory decreased 0.5% in July. The unsold inventory index stood at a 4.3 month supply, unchanged from last July’s level.

California existing home sales slow for third straight month in July – Prices higher – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single family home sales totaled 406,920 in July on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis. That was down 0.9% from June and 3.4% below last July’s level when home sales totaled 421,460 on an annualized basis. The state-wide median price paid for a home was $591,460 in July, up 7.6% from last July. On a regional level, prices in Los Angeles County rose 5.5%, Orange County prices rose 5.6%, and Ventura County prices rose just 2.1% from July 2017. Inventory levels continued to increase. The unsold inventory index ticked up to a 3.3 month supply in July, up from 3.2% last July. A normal market has a 6 -7 month supply. Active listings increased for a fourth consecutive month after 33 months of declines, increasing 11.9% from last July.

Have a great weekend!
Syd

August 24, 2018

Target's Popular House-Brand Groceries: Here's What To Buy

Store-brand food can be a hit or miss endeavor: For every tasty off-brand Dorito at Aldi or 35lb bag of jerky at Costco there seems to be an entire pantry’s worth of cheap, nearly inedible knockoffs. But Target’s been sneakily owning the store-brand game for a while, and we’re not just talking about its delicious wine. The Archer Farms label has the pantry, fridge, and freezer game on lock, and to fill you in on what the minivan-owning horde has long known, we asked Target-obsessed Instagrammers All Things Target and Target Does It Again to select their favorite Archer Farm foods.

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

French Vanilla Almond Granola

Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to France just to buy the perfect granola? Save yourself a ton of money and the hassle of finding your passport by stopping by Target and purchasing its French Vanilla Almond Granola. Like many of Archer Farms’ products, it’s made with minimal ingredients, including rolled oats, honey, and almonds. But it’s a favorite of Target Does It Again because it can considerably elevate your breakfast: “Take your yogurt or smoothie bowl to the next level with this granola.” And doesn’t require an international flight to eat.

100% Pure Maple Syrup

Imagine a plate of pancakes. Then imagine not putting maple syrup on them. You know what? Don’t. That’s criminal. If you’re eating pancakes, you need maple syrup. But do you need 12oz of it? Do you want to pay $7.19? Eh, probably not — unless you eat flapjacks every single morning. Avoid spending crazy amounts of dough on Vermont’s finest export (aside from Ben & Jerry’s) and snag Archer Farms’ 100% Pure Maple Syrup in a 3.4oz bottle. Target Does It Again loves the fact that it’s 100% maple syrup, and not a low quality version with fillers. But the differentiator for them is that Target offers a mini size. It’s just $2.29, and will probably give you just enough for a few brunches.

Mini Donut Reduced Fat Ice Cream

This is the one Archer Farms item that made the Target Does It Again folks exclaim, “Run to Target now!” — and it’s not just because there are actual donut pieces stuffed into cinnamon ice cream. It’s because the pint somehow contains only 350 calories and 20g of protein despite being decadent as hell. And let’s be real, the nutritional facts are per pint because you’re eating this thing in one sitting. As Jen and Ashley so beautifully stated, “Who doesn’t love donuts in their ice cream?!”

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Archer Farms Trail Mixes

“I love the Archer Farms Trail Mix because it comes in so many amazing flavor combinations,” says Christy Palmer of All Things Target. She ain’t kidding. There’s a Monster version with M&M’s, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips, and a Peanut Butter Monster with mini peanut butter cups and Peanut Butter M&M’s. It may be named that because it’s available in a 2-pound, 4-ounce. Or because it contains actual monsters inside. Who can say?

Palmer’s favorites include the aforementioned Monster, the dried fruit-packed Cashew, Cranberry & Almond, and the Caramel Cashew, with chewy caramel, milk chocolate bites, and peanuts. Jen and Ashley, the two women behind Target Does It Again, also love the trail mix: “Legit the best trail mix ever!” They also highlight it for the budget conscious: “The price is right for a huge jug!” — it’s just $8 for 2 pounds of Peanut Butter Monster.

Dark Chocolate Himalayan Salted Almonds

Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to the Himalayas to buy the perfect salted almonds? Wait, are you the same person who was buying tickets to France? What are the odds?! Palmer loves these bad boys not only because almonds are one of her “favorite things to drench in chocolate” but because “the dark chocolate is really tasty, and they have just the right amount of salt.” And it is actually Himalayan salt as promised on the label, which is sourced from salt mines in Pakistan. Who knew?

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Spinach and Goat Cheese Traditional Crust Pizza

Frozen pizza isn’t necessarily the healthiest meal option in the frozen food section of the supermarket. But feel confident that at the very least, it has a Simple Ingredients stamp of approval from Target, meaning that it contains “no synthetic flavors, synthetic colors, synthetic preservatives, or synthetic sweeteners; no high fructose corn syrup; no added synthetic trans fat.” It’s basically spinach, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese. And that last ingredient is what makes this a standout at the retailer for Target Does It Again. “Would definitely recommend this pizza to goat cheese fans,” they say. When you bite into the goat cheese liberally applied to each pie, you’ll understand why.

Also of note, the standard wood-fired pepperoni recently breached the top five of our ongoing frozen pizza rank. Even in a state of goatlessness, this is quality frozen pie.

Frozen Vegetables

When you get home from a long day at the office, the last thing you want to do is go into the kitchen and take a half-hour to prepare dinner. Obviously that’s time better spent drinking away the problems caused by a long day at the office. Take Jen and Ashley’s advice that Archer Farms’ frozen veggies “make dinner prep a breeze.” Mostly because you can pop them in the microwave and the veggies steam in the bag. No clean up, either. While you can choose between Brussels sprouts, snow peas, asparagus spears, and green beans, the Target Does It Again team prefers the sweet potato cubes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Pair a protein on a plate with any of those veggies and dinner is practically done.

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Archer Farms Salsa

Walk down the aisles of a popular grocer like Whole Foods and you’ll find people pushing around shopping carts that for some reason only fit a single loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. You’ll also find a few varieties of salsa from their store brand, most likely in mild, medium, and hot. Which is fine! But if you want selection and quality, it’s hard to beat Archer Farms. “They make my favorite salsa,” says Palmer. “I love their Medium Corn & Black Bean Salsa — it has a fresh taste with a little kick, and I love the addition of corn and black beans.” And if that doesn’t sound appetizing, there’s plenty of other options, like Mango Peach, Pineapple Peach, Restaurant-Style, Fire-Roasted Pepper & Habanero, and Zesty Pepper.

Organic K-Cup Coffee

Think about the last time you bought an organic cup of coffee in a cafe — it probably cost more than $.62. But if you’ve got a Keurig machine, buying K-cups from Target could save you a ton of money: it’s $10 for 16 cups. Not only that, many K-cups contain coffee grown conventionally, “so it’s nice to be able to pick up organic coffee at Target,” say gals behind Target Does It Again. Even better, you have your choice of coffee flavors in Archer Farms’ java line, including Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, and an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, the coffee that crushed all others in a recent ranking of K-cups by a coffee roaster.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 24, 2018

The Best Comedies So Far Of 2018

There’s a lot of bleakness in the world these days, and sometimes you just need to hunker down with a movie that will make you smile — or at least laugh through the pain. The good news is that 2018 has actually been a solid year for cinematic comedies from the gushy romances of Book Club to the lewd gags of Blockers.

Here are the year’s best comedies you can catch in theaters or at home. That’s not to say that all of these selections necessarily make for good escapist fare. For every Paddington 2, a thoroughly heartwarming fantasy about kindness, there’s The Death of Stalin, reminding us that even the worst people can be absurdly funny. And yet you will find chuckles in every selection listed here.

12. Love, Simon

Released: March 16
Cast: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford
Director: Greg Berlanti
Why it’s great: As revolutionary as Love, Simon is given its focus on a gay lead, its comic tropes are practically Shakespearean. There are mistaken identities, ill-conceived matches, and betrayal, which all makes sense for a movie about a bunch of theater kids. Berlanti and his game cast of rising stars executed all of these beats with an abundance of warmth. When it does get serious, Love, Simon tugs at your heartstrings in all the right ways. Bonus points for Natasha Rothwell as a fed-up drama teacher, who elicits a guffaw every time she speaks.
Where to see it right now: Rent on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play (watch the trailer)

11. Book Club

Released: May 18
Cast: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, Candice Bergen
Director: Bill Holderman
Why it’s great: For a while there, it seemed like Book Club would never be able to top the Instagram of its four legendary stars looking at the eclipse, but never underestimate the likes of Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, and Candice Bergen. Book Club is by no means a great movie — hell, it’s not even a particularly good one on a technical level — but it is a deliriously silly joy to watch. Our protagonists play a group of longtime friends who read Fifty Shades of Grey and decide to spice up their romantic lives by getting on dating apps, hanging out with old flames, and flirting with sexy pilots played by Andy Garcia. It’s packed with innuendo and moments that are downright goofy, including some really terrible CGI and a sequence in which Steenburgen tap dances to Meatloaf. However — through all of that — it also treats its leads with such dignity that you can’t help but get invested. Pairs best with a glass of rosé.
Where to see it right now: Buy on iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, and YouTube (watch the trailer)

10. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

Released: August 17
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, John Corbett
Director: Susan Johnson
Why it’s great: Of all the entries in the rom com revival, this one is heavier on the rom than the com. But even though it won’t make your sides hurt, it will make your heart flutter. The plot is ripe with high school movie hijinks that arise when the love letters of Lara Jean Covey (the wonderful Lana Condor) accidentally get mailed to her crushes, namely the contractual faux relationship she starts with heartthrob Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). Like its heroine, it’s big hearted but skeptical in all the right places.
Where to see it right now: Netflix (watch the trailer)

9. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Released: July 20
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Cher, Andy Garcia, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep
Director: Ol Parker
Why it’s great: The sequel to 2008’s Mamma Mia! languishes in its ridiculousness. Oh, you want a reprisal of “Dancing Queen,” ABBA’s catchiest hit? Well, you’ll get it, and you’ll see Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård imitating The Titanic on the bow of a boat. You’ll also find yourself cackling with glee as Cher and Andy García perform “Fernando” in a sultry fashion as fireworks explode. And what about the sight of the patrons and employees of a French restaurant bursting out into “Waterloo”? Sure, there’s some sadness (Meryl’s dead!), but mostly it’s, to quote 30 Rock‘s assessment of the original, “a madcap musical romp… fun… good.”
Where to see it right now: In theaters (watch the trailer)

8. Tully

Released: May 4
Cast: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston, Mark Duplass
Director: Jason Reitman
Why it’s great: Diablo Cody and Reitman’s third collaboration — and their second with Charlize Theron — is maybe not the most laugh-out-loud entry on this list. At times, it’s a searing examination of the struggles of motherhood, specifically homing in on postpartum mental health. But Cody’s brutal wit courses through the narrative about an overtaxed mother of three who receives a reprieve in the form of a night nanny with a twinkle in her eye and a secret. Theron plays the weary Marlo with a wry edge, injecting humor into every exasperated glance.
Where to see it right now: Buy on iTunes, Amazon Video, and Google Play (watch the trailer)

7. Game Night

Released: February 23
Cast: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons
Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
Why it’s great: I have been thinking about Jesse Plemons’ bizarro performance in Game Night ever since I saw it back in February. But the Breaking Bad actor’s turn as an uncomfortably intense next door neighbor still wounded from his divorce is merely just one of the gifts contained within this surprisingly dark comedy-action-thriller hybrid. There’s a genuine tension behind the antics, which really kick off when Kyle Chandler’s suave Brooks, the obnoxious brother to Jason Bateman’s neurotic Max is actually kidnapped during what is supposed to be a fake game night adventure. The bits are memorably specific — from a tangent about Denzel Washington to a bullet extraction gone awry. Meanwhile, everyone in the stacked cast is in peak form, Rachel McAdams especially. Her delivery of one line in particular is genius.
Where to see it right now: Rent on iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube, or Google Play (watch the trailer)

6. Crazy Rich Asians

Released: August 15
Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh
Director: Jon M. Chu
Why it’s great: Crazy Rich Asians is many things: A historic moment, a gorgeous romance, a convincing reason to take a trip to Singapore. But we’re talking about comedy here, so let’s discuss how director Jon M. Chu brought out some of the funniest people and let them do their thing. Sure, the central couple Nick (Henry Golding) and Rachel (Constance Wu) might steal a lot of the spotlight, but don’t count out Peik Lin, played by Awkwafina, and her loving, effusive, ridiculous family. Rachel’s initial trip to the gold-covered Goh home is a showcase not just for the perfect duo of Ken Jeong and Awkwafina, but also for Singaporean comedian Koh Chieng Mun as Peik Lin’s ostentatious mother Neena and newcomer Calvin Wong as her awkward teen brother P.T. The film works as well as it does because of the way it translates book author Kevin Kwan’s array of characters onto the screen, from the bon mots of Nico Santos’ stylish Oliver to the belly out antics of Jimmy O. Yang’s Bernard Tai.
Where to see it right now: In theaters (watch the trailer)

5. The Death of Stalin

Released: March 9
Cast: Simon Russell Beale, Steve Buscemi, Michael Palin, Jeffrey Tambor, Andrea Riseborough
Director: Armando Iannucci
Why it’s great: Iannucci, the brilliant Veep creator, set his sights on Russia with this savage political satire. Based on a graphic novel, the film dramatizes the madcap, maniacal plots of the men jostling for power after their leader, Joseph Stalin, keels over. From there, backstabbing, furious insults, and general chaos unfolds. Anchored by performances from Shakespearean great Simon Russell Beale and American icon Steve Buscemi, it’s a pleasure to see what the rest of the cast — from Star Trek: Discovery‘s Jason Isaacs to Homeland‘s Rupert Friend — do with Iannucci’s eloquently brittle text.
Where to see it right now: Rent on iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube, or Google Play (watch the trailer)

4. Blockers

Released: April 6
Cast: Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon
Director: Kay Cannon
Why it’s great: Kay Cannon slid narratives about female friendship and middle-aged anxiety into her ridiculously funny sex comedy about three teens that plan to lose their virginities on prom night. Two of their parents (Leslie Mann and John Cena) lose their minds when they discover this pact, and decide to make it their mission to stop it from ever taking place. A third dad (Ike Barinholtz) tags along — not because he thinks what they are doing is right, but because he’s lonely and needs some pals so he can riff about Ron Howard’s Inferno. (Barinholtz deserves a prize for the most random movie callback of all time.) Meanwhile, the girls — played by Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon — are experiencing their own uneasy awakenings as they forge ahead during the raucous night. Viswanathan, a newcomer, gets some of the best punchlines, and Adlon, daughter of Pamela, navigates her character’s coming out with delicacy. There are crass gags galore, but you’re also likely to leave thinking about Blockers‘ melancholy threads about adulthood.
Where to see it right now: Buy on iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play (watch the trailer)

3. Sorry To Bother You

Released: July 6
Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Steven Yeun
Director: Boots Riley
Why it’s great: Sorry to Bother You is disarmingly hilarious. One minute you’re giggling along with bits about masturbation and Michel Gondry parodies, the next you’re blindsided with a stark, dystopian picture of the true evil of America’s corporate entities. The movie thrives on absurd imagery, like telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) getting plopped, desk and all, right in front of his potential customer when he makes a sales call, even if they are having sex or sitting on the toilet. But all of this is in the service of Boots Riley’s vision, which goes to extremes to show the stranglehold of racism and abuses of labor in this country.
Where to see it right now: In theaters (watch the trailer)

2. Paddington 2

Released: January 12
Cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville
Director: Paul King
Why it’s great: When the first Paddington hit our shores in early 2015, it was appreciated as a charming, thoughtful antidote to grating children’s programming. The second installment in the saga of the bear from Darkest Peru, who preaches the gospel of “if we are kind and polite the world will be right,” is an improvement on even that, and one of the best movies of the year. Director Paul King — a veteran of the UK’s beloved cult TV show The Mighty Boosh — crafted a luminously colorful world, a visionary whirligig of imagery. The film catches up with our friend Paddington settling into his London neighborhood — bringing good cheer to all of his neighbors — but things start to go awry when he’s wrongly accused of stealing a pop-up book from the local antiques store he frequents. The true perpetrator is Phoenix Buchanan, a washed-up actor played by Hugh Grant in what is — no joke — one of the best and funniest performances of the year. Phoenix is truly a ham, who does his dastardly deeds in his old costumes, considering each crime a triumphant act worthy of applause. Meanwhile, our friend Paddington is imprisoned, but making the best of it by introducing his fellow inmates, including Brendan Gleeson’s particularly grumpy cook, to the wonders of marmalade. Like that sticky substance, Paddington 2 is sweet, but in a way that’s soothing.
Where to see it right now: Rent on iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play (watch the trailer)

1. Eighth Grade

Released: July 13
Cast: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson
Director: Bo Burnham
Why it’s great: The horrors of being 13 may make you laugh — or cry out of empathy — but that dichotomy is the beauty of Bo Burnham’s directorial debut, Eighth Grade. Burnham, despite being a stand-up, doesn’t pepper his plot with punchlines. (Although, it should be said, the sight of a school administrator dabbing in lackluster fashion to impress a group of unenthusiastic kids is very funny.) Still, the core of the Eighth Grade experience is getting to see life as lived by Kayla, the quietest girl in her eighth grade class. Some of the terrors of her age are amusing in retrospect; others are downright grim. That alchemy makes for powerful viewing.
Where to see it right now: In theaters (watch the trailer)

Story by Thrillist.

August 24, 2018

Restaurants You Have To Try In Marina del Rey

Situated next to the Silicon Beach enclave, small-but-mighty Marina del Rey has attracted a boatload (!) of seriously good restaurants over the past few years — to the point where it’s now one of LA’s strongest food destinations. This 1.5 square-mile coastal community is packed with everything from rustic Italian eateries to fancy waterfront restaurants… and then there’s the iconic pub that turns into a turtle-racing hub on Thursdays. What more do you need to know?

Best fancy restaurant for when you’re not paying: Cast & Plow

4375 Admiralty Way
Located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Cast & Plow is an upscale hotel restaurant that stands on its own. Aside from a picturesque view of the marina, you’ll also get impeccable service and dishes made with organic, locally grown and raised ingredients — like made-in-house herb brioche, ham and Manchego cheese fritters waiting for a dunk in paprika aioli, and lobster agnolotti cooked with brown butter and walnuts. Plus, if you’re visiting during off hours, a small bites menu is available from 3-5:30pm and 10pm-midnight daily.

Best sandwich spot: Mendocino Farms

4724 Admiralty Way
Get here early if you want to avoid the rush hour mob: Mendo’s fantastic and flavor-packed sandwiches, served on freshly baked artisanal bread, are a huge hit in the neighborhood. Now’s your last chance to snag summer specials — like a ripe heirloom tomato BLT drizzled with habanero honey, or chicken banh mi served with lemongrass relish — but the usual staples (hello, Study of Heat) will always be there. There’s also a ton of other stuff you probably didn’t know about this husband-and-wife-run sandwich shop, which is why we’ve outlined it all in a separate article.

Best brunch: Cafe del Rey

4451 Admiralty Way
At Cafe del Rey, $44 gets you a three-course prix fixe brunch served with your choice of sparkling wine, cider, mimosas, or Bloody Marys — not a bad deal when there’s a Kobe burger and cured salmon toast on the menu. You’ll also be treated to a spectacular vista of yachts parked in the marina (they even livestream the view from coveted Table 18). Plus, if you’re coming during the day, you won’t have to worry about parking; unlike most LA restaurants, valet here is complimentary (and only $6 in the evening).

Best cheap eats: Taqueria Chihuahua

505 Washington Blvd
This strip mall joint — which is close to the beach without the inflated prices or tourist crowds usually associated with those establishments — makes killer burritos that all hover around the $5 mark. For a little extra, get yours either Pancho Villa-style (smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese) or El Norteño-style (stuffed with guac, cheese, and sour cream). They don’t skimp on the meat here, so expected a heavily loaded vessel that should satiate you for hours.

Best pizza: Settebello

13455 Maxella Ave Suite 250
Settebello’s Neapolitan pizzas are the real deal, made with imported Italian flour and briefly tossed inside a wood-fired oven crafted by Italian oven makers (yes, that’s a thing). The result? Soft, slippery, delicious pies best eaten with a fork and knife — as they do in Napoli. Protip: Grab yourself a Margherita DOC pie, with crushed tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, parmigiano reggiano, and EVOO.

Best for vegetarians: Rainbow Acres Natural Foods

13208 W Washington Blvd
Locally owned Rainbow Acres has been hawking kombucha drinks, coconut ice cream bars, and yucca-flour bread since 1981, long before Whole Foods opened up in nearby Playa Vista. Vegans and vegetarians alike flock to this health food store’s hot-food counter, but its rotating selection of legitimately delicious takeaway food (like cranberry and wild rice pilaf and creamy shroom pasta) can satisfy everyone.

Best late-night food: Killer Cafe

4211 Admiralty Way
One of the only spots in MDR that’s open 24 hours a day, Killer Cafe whips up hearty comfort food reminiscent of what you’d find at your county fair (only better). Load up on juicy peel-and-eat shrimp dripping in butter and lemon, beer-battered fried cod sliders, and blue cheese mashed potatoes — washed down with something from an extensive wine, beer, and specialty drink list.

Best breakfast: Cafe Buna

3105 Washington Blvd
This hole-in-the-wall’s breakfast menu is impressive on sheer length alone; you’ll find it includes at least 20 different omelettes and leans heavy on griddle items like pumpkin-nut or lemon zest pancakes, cornflake French toast, and nutella crepes. If — for some crazy reason — you’re not feeling breakfast, don’t sleep on the wet mole burrito or signature Buna burger with all the fixings.

Best burgers: J Nichols Kitchen

4375 Glencoe Ave
J Nichols’ menu has a lot going on — there’s everything from roasted beets to topped flatbreads and smoked ribs — but the burgers are what you want to eat here. The West LA version is a clear winner, bursting with flavor-packed bacon balsamic onion compote, melty blue cheese and gruyere, and a generous smear of lemon aioli on a buttery toasted French baguette.

Best happy hour: SALT Restaurant & Bar

13534 Bali Way
SALT’s happy hour, which runs weekdays from 4 to 6pm, is the area’s best-kept secret. Deals include quality apps like pork meatballs in San Marzano sauce and fried Alaskan cod tacos (both $9), $6 wines, and priceless harbor views — okay, that last one’s not so much a deal as a reason to scope the place early and get a seat by the outdoor fire pits. The restaurant, which is part of the Marina del Rey Hotel, also has food offerings for every other hour of the day, including a poolside menu (get the fried chicken bucket), breakfast (served with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys on weekends), and dinner (where the Maine lobster pasta flavored with yuzu, vadouvan, and brown butter dashi is a must, as are the other seafood-heavy entrees).

Best for carb feasting: Casa Ado

12 W Washington Blvd
The pastas at this cozy Italian spot are homemade and perfectly cooked, which means you won’t feel too bad blowing your cheat day budget here. Menu all-stars include the black ink tagliolini noodles tossed in a spicy marinara, as well as Casa Ado’s famous red beet pasta served in Parmesan fondue.

Best Italian: Locanda Positano

4059 Lincoln Blvd
Marina del Rey clearly has plenty of top-notch Italian spots, but this intimate restaurant is the local favorite. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming location across from an IHOP; the wild boar pappardelle and fresh seafood linguine here will transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast. Don’t skip the complimentary bread, which is served warm and crusty alongside flavored olive oils, or the dessert: people rave about the lemon sorbet served with homemade limoncello and gelato trio

Best BBQ: Morfia’s Ribs & Pies

4077 Lincoln Blvd
When you’re craving legit Texas BBQ in MDR, go to Morfia’s for sauce-drenched ribs smoked in a brick pit — alright, maybe the sauce-drenched part is a bit more LA than TX, but you won’t be complaining. The portions are always generous, the meat’s always moist, and even if you’re stuffed, you can’t end the meal without a slice of peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.

Best date spot: Brennan’s

4089 Lincoln Blvd
Yep: the dive bar known for its legendary turtle races every Thursday is actually a fantastic date idea. Thanks to a facelift last year, this long-standing MDR pub has a new, airy look with a marble-topped bar and spacious outdoor area for cornhole, Jenga, and other games (just in case there are any awkward first-date silences). The menu got an upgrade too, so you can snack on fried chickpeas, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and for late-night eaters, great pizzas — all while guzzling some eclectic beers. And aside from the excitement of the turtle races (which are still going strong), Brennan’s always has something cool going on — whether it’s Sunday dog yoga or Friday pizza nights where you can get a complimentary pie while listening to live music.

Best multi-ethnic food: Doma Kitchen

4325 Glencoe Ave #8
Family-owned Doma Kitchen’s moved around a bit (first opening in Redondo, then relocating to Manhattan Beach) before settling on its current home. Now it’s serving Uzbek rice, borscht, and other Eastern European/Central Asian dishes to Marina del Rey diners who didn’t realize they loved Lithuanian-style slow-braised buckwheat but can’t imagine their lives without it now. Chef Kristina Miksyte, a Lithuanian native, uses farm-fresh ingredients and house-made spices in every dish. For summer, there’s a peach-themed menu that stars a raspberry-drizzled bistro salad and a grilled peach dessert with toasted walnuts and balsamic glaze.

Best lunch spot: Tender Greens

13455 Maxella Ave
No place does a build-your-own lunch plate better than Tender Greens, with options like consistently tender chipotle barbecue chicken, garlic vinaigrette-dressed kale, and silky mashed potatoes on the menu. They’re also mixing things up with a new special called the Endless Summer Bowl, which is packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and flavors like tahini yogurt, eggplant, grilled trumpet mushrooms, and pickled golden raisins served with earthy kamut grains and a coriander- and cumin-infused dressing.

Best Japanese: Irori Sushi

4371 Glencoe Ave #B4
The tone is set the minute you step foot inside Irori, where — in true Japanese tradition — you’re not allowed to wear your funky-smelling shoes (they provide sandals instead) at the low, sunken tables. The incredibly fresh fish just further solidifies this place’s authenticity; if it’s in season, get the succulent toro trio that boasts a scary-but-worth-it market price. Irori also does a few creative takes on sashimi, though, mixing bluefin tuna with burrata and putting black truffle on halibut for an umami sensory overload.

Best place to take the family: C&O Trattoria

31 Washington Blvd
This beach-adjacent institution straddles the Venice/Marina del Rey border, but if you want to get technical, it belongs to the latter (plus, Venice’s restaurant scene is already brimming). The outdoor patio is always lively, the staff hosts a nightly sing-a-long, and everyone’s happy because even if you’re not full off of the generous pasta portions, there’s an unlimited, complimentary supply of garlic knots that practically slip out of your fingers because they’re so drenched in olive oil and butter.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 23, 2018

Weekend Events: August 24 – 26

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend, from Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26, features Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, DTLA Proud Fest, Muse ’til Midnight at LACMA, Harry Potter Roller Skating Night, ScareLA, Matcha LA Fest, and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday August 24th, 2018

1. The 8th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival is a five-day epicurean event showcasing the finest in Los Angeles food and drink culture. Happening in Downtown L.A., Santa Monica and Beverly Hills between from August 22-26. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. The DTLA Proud Festival returns to Pershing Square for a weekend of community and diversity celebration starting with a free all ages celebration this Friday featuring live music, food vendors, artists and more representing the culture, history, and diversity of the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community. Keep in mind Friday evening will be alcohol free and Saturday and Sunday event days are 21+ and will be serving alcohol.

3. Eat|See|Hear returns for 2018 with a screening of Easy Rider on Friday and Back to the Future on Saturday at The Autry. Check for discounted tickets at select screenings. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. The Roadium in Torrance presents Classic Drive-in Movies every Friday night in August and the first Friday of September. Each family-friendly event features classic films projected on the screen tower. Continuing the series is a screening of Five Summer Stories.

5. Halo Top celebrates their grand opening at The Grove with free ice cream for the first 100 guests and a life-sized ice-cream wonderland with life-sized ice cream pints, themed ball pits, golden swings, and other playful installments.

6.. Back for the 15th year in a row, The Independent Shakespeare Co. presents Shakespeare in the Parkat the Old Zoo in Griffith Park with free performances of A Mid Summer Nights Dream and Titus Andronicus Wednesday through Sunday. FREE

7. The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball happening August 24-25 at the Millennium Biltmore in DLTA is a unique experience featuring extravagant costumes, performances, multiple ballrooms with dancing, mythological acts, special effects and the popular Goblin Court.

8. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum will host Late Night Fridays where guests can enjoy free general admission from 5 to 8 p.m. and gain access to special activities, 3D movies, behind-the-scenes tours, live excavations, and more. FREE

9. Barnsdall Fridays returns to Barnsdall Art Park for the tenth year in a row, with evening tastings of boutique wines and music from KCRW DJs perched atop a hill with incredible city views.

10. The Music Center’s annual Dance DTLA series is back for 2018 with a series of Friday-night events at Grand Park. This week features Dance DTLA, an evening dedicated to Bollywood. FREE

11. A Yeti Village has been constructed on Hollywood and Vine in anticipation for the movie SMALLFOOT. Designed to look like winter, visitors of all ages can dance in a blizzard, swing on a cloud, ride a 20-foot slide, play in a snowball pit, sing karaoke, do arts and crafts and more. The family-friendly experience is free to attend and runs through September 14, 2018. FREE

12. Rooftop Cinema Club returns to the rooftops of LEVEL in DTLA and NeueHouse in Hollywood with multiple screenings this week that include The Greatest Showman, Coco and more.

13. Check out Todd Schorr’s Neverlasting Miracles at KP Projects on La Brea Ave. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The exhibition runs through September 1.

14. Are you a Chase bank customer? Got a freebie you might want to know about. Coolhaus is teaming with the Forum and Chase to hand out free ice cream sandwiches to Chase customers on Fridays all summer long. Locations will change every Friday, and the offer is ice cream sandwich per cardholder. Get more info here.

15. WP24 by Wolfgang Puck’s Summer Supper + Show returns every Friday and Saturday, July through August, with a Asian-inspired dinner at WP24 by Wolfgang Puck followed by a movie screening on the private 26th floor hotel rooftop. This weekend they’ll screen Noting Hill.

16. 260LA is hosting a sample sale with Jonathan Simkhai and Charlotte Olympia August 22-25.

17. Rodeo Drive’s BOLD Summer concludes this week with a block party featuring live entertainment, special restaurant offers, and more. BOLD will happen Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. FREE

Saturday August 25th, 2018

18. Muse ’til Midnight at LACMA is the ultimate late-night party. 2018’s edition is a celebration of 3D art, inspired by LACMA’s new exhibit, 3D: Double Vision. Enjoy music curated by DUBLAB, access to five galleries and more.

19. Los Angeles’ first Matcha LA Fest celebrates all things matcha on August 25-26 with over 20 vendors, matcha in many different forms, a photo booth, giveaways, matcha merch, and more.

20. The seventh and final Harry Potter Roller Skating Night returns to Moonlight Rollerway for a truly special and enchanting evening

21. Summer Happenings at The Broad is a series of late-night events featuring music, performance and art. Now in its third year, the evening series is inspired by The Broad’s new exhibition, A Journey That Wasn’t which explores artists’ representations of time, memory and repetition. This month the series will highlight Chinese artists with performances by post-punk band Re-TROS, Xiu Xiu, MIIA, Asian Dope Boys and more.

22. Cinespia is back for its 17th summer season, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for screenings of films modern, cult, and classic. This Saturday they’ll screen Big and Sunday they’ll screen Barbarella as part of the Johnny Ramone tribute.

23. KCRW’s Summer Nights offers free all-ages outdoor music shows over the course of the summer throughout Los Angeles and this Saturday they’ll takes over Chinatown one last night with KCRW DJs Raul Campos and Jason Bentley. FREE

24. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel will perform some of Tchaikovsky’s greatest hits under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl with a spectacular fireworks show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

25. Summer Street Market Nights, a delicous evening at The Mixing Room in DTLA is a monthly event featuring an assortment of interactive food stations offering international cuisine and themed entertainment. This months theme is One Night in Bangkok!

26. The 13th Annual Venice Beach Music & Arts Festival is a free event featuring live music and dance performances, food trucks, mural painting and more in Windward Plaza Park and along the boardwalk in Venice. FREE

27. Brick Fest Live: Lego Fan Experience in Pasadena (August 25-26) is coming to the Pasadena Convention Center for two days of insane builds, hands-on activities, and sets to buy.

28. Celebrate Latinas when LATINAFest: Mind, Body & Soul, a free festival, comes to La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles.

29. Celebrate Halloween in the summer with ScareLA (August 25-26), the city’s only convention with interactive experiences, industry professionals, roaming monsters and more. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

30. Head to Long Beach’s Shoreline Drive for Beach Streets Twilight, an event that sees one mile of the famed road shut down to cars in favor of bikes, scooters, roller blades, pets, and your own two legs! There will be food trucks, drinks, and two music stages, so get outside and enjoy the city of Long Beach! FREE

31.. The Silverlake Flea-Night Market taking place every Saturday from 5-10 p.m. all summer long features a plethora of local, independent sellers that offer vintage clothing, art, rare vinyl, crafts, and much more.

32. Grand Central Market’s downstairs area will transform into a magic club for one night featuring award-winning comedy magician Dana Daniels. Guests can also experience close-up magic by Kayla Drescher and Robert Ramirez as well as sleight of hand magic by Georges-Robert. Magic will also be performed throughout the historic food hall. FREE

33. Off the 405, free concerts at the Getty will host a performance by Combo Chimbita and a DJ set by Maieli in the museum courtyard. FREE

34. NFMLA’s Film Festival will show two shorts programs, along with a feature from a NFMLA award-winning alumni this Saturday. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

35. Pasadena Rooftop Cinema is back for another series of free family friendly screenings on a South Lake Avenue rooftop. This Saturday the series will screen Star Wars. FREE

36. The Leimert Park Village Book Fair comes to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw for an all-day literary extravaganza with author meet-and-greets, celebrity author, literary and educational exhibitors, a Children’s Pavilion with book giveaways, panel discussions, writing workshops, musical entertainment and poetry recitals, food trucks and more. FREE

37. British artist Lucy Sparrow has transformed the second floor of the Standard in DTLA into Sparrow Mart a supermarket art wonderland fill with over 31,000 adorable felt-covered food replicas all for sale. Part art installation, store and loads of photo worthy moments, Sparrow Mart open Aug 1-31 (closed on Mondays) is free to attend on a first come first serve basis. FREE

38. Outdoor theater Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, located in Topanga Canyon summer 2018 season begins on June 2 with a performance of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. The Actors’ Gang will once gain bring back Free Shakespeare in the Park for Families with a production of Much Ado About Avengers an original play inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and the characters of Marvel’s Avengers. Taking place at Media Park in Culver City, the 45 minute, all‐ages production will run every Saturday and Sunday this month through August 26. FREE

40. Street Food Cinema returns this weekend with a screening of Bridesmaids at LA Arboretum in Arcadia and Xanadu at Pan Pacific Park in Beverly Hills. Select screenings are discounted via Goldstar. DISCOUNTED

Sunday August 26th, 2018

41. There’s a free community tribute to the late Jonathan Gold on the steps of City Hall in DTLA this Sunday. The public commemoration of the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer is hosted by Carolina Miranda, Los Angeles Times arts and culture columnist and will include tributes from friends, family, and colleagues of Gold. There will also be a screenings of unseen clips from City of Gold, the 2015 documentary about Gold’s culinary adventures, along with food trucks selling food. FREE

42. Cal Jam 18 will host a pop-up at the Hollywood Palladium with free performances by Chevy Metal and The Holy Shits, plus food, merchandise and more. FREE

43. Get your stretch alongside some adorable dogs during Dog Yoga at The Dog Cafe. Yoga will be led by instructor Melissa Burton and will be followed by play time with pups and refreshments.

44. The 3rd Annual BBQ Day at Smorgasburg LA is coming this Sunday and fans of ice cream can head down to Ice Cream Alley, a special area dedicated to showcasing ice cream.

45. Los Angeles Magazine’s inaugural FIT LA is a morning wellness event featuring a Pure Barre class, healthy bites, beauty and nutrition samples, mini spa treatments and more at Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu.

46. To celebrate National Dog Day this Sunday The Citadel Outlets ll host their annual ‘Barks & Brews’event welcoming hundreds of local pets and their owners for a day of craft beer tasting, food truck bites and live entertainment.

47. Metro Art Presents “Changes: Works at Union Station,” an afternoon of 20 site-specific performances and interactive works in unique spaces inside the station. FREE

48. There’s a Vegan Block Party happening at Dry River Brewing this Sunday featuring vegan and cruelty free vendors like Jades Vegan Sushi, Veggie y Qué, Mini Drops Ice Cream and much more. Free to enter and food is for sale.

49. Escape the summer heat during Jazz on the Lawn, a series of free summer concerts at Santa Monica’s Gandara Park every Sunday in August. In addition to live music there will be free dance lessons, food trucks and picnic games. FREE

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

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

August 21, 2018

Rodeo Realty's Monty Abramov selling onetime Beverly Hills home of late actress Mary Martin

Recently featured in the Los Angeles Times is the former home of Mary Martin, the late actress and Broadway star best known for her performances of “Peter Pan” and “The Sound of Music.”

The Beverly Hills home is for sale off-market for $6,595 million. Monty Abramov of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills holds the listing.

The Traditional-style home comes with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, formal and informal dining areas, and office, a living room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and a separate guest house.

The two-story property also has a landscaped verdant backyard, a swimming pool and spa, a barbeque and an outdoor dining area.

For more information on this home, visit www.525rexford.com.

According to the LA Times, Martin won Tony Awards for her roles in the Broadway versions of “Peter Pan” and “The Sound of Music,” and she also appeared in 15 films from 1938 to 1953.

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

August 20, 2018

Every Pit Stop You Need To Take From Los Angeles To San Diego

With zero humidity and palm trees in the rearview mirror, cruising down the Pacific coast to San Diego from Los Angeles is summer. Of course, LA traffic can make it less cruise-worthy and more bumper-to-bumper. But with authentic taquerias, whale watching, and iconic surf breaks, there’s a quintessential SoCal pit stop just about every mile of the ride to distract you. Here’s seven summer getaways you can easily hit on the way to San Diego — just don’t forget the sunscreen and a swimsuit.

EL DORADO EAST REGIONAL PARK

Long beach
Sure, you may have just left La La Land, but it’s never too soon to kick off a trip with some light target practice. Right off the 605 freeway, head to the archery range at El Dorado East Regional Park for free community classes every Saturday. Not up for arrows? Take a nature-filled walk around one of the park’s six serene lakes with plenty of wildlife to keep you company — it’ll shake off any traffic anxiety you just built up driving here.

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

Laguna Beach
No trip down the 405 is complete without a Laguna Beach ‘gram. Take in some of the last remaining coastal canyons in SoCal at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with over 40 miles of trails that lead to water point vistas and rocky bluffs. Even though every trail is sweet, a quick hike to Barbara’s Lake (Orange County’s only natural lake) will refuel you for the rest of the drive.

DANA POINT HARBOUR

Dana Point
Stretch your legs, grab a pair binoculars, and hop on one of the accessible public boats at Dana Point Harbour to see whales up close (it’s known as the “whale capital of the west” for a reason). Feeling a bit hungry after watching these giants swim? Peruse the many coffee shops, chocolatiers, and fresh seafood joints right on the waterfront.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Taquerias, fine art galleries, and old-school western bars: Stroll around the historic downtown in San Juan Capistrano and you’ll teleport back to 1776. With Spanish-style architecture, plenty of lunch options, and enough quirky antique shops to keep you there for an entire day, you’ll wish you explored this area of SoCal sooner.

SAN CLEMENTE PIER

San Clemente
Fishing off the iconic San Clemente Pier to celebrate the halfway mark to San Diego is the only way to do it this summer. Rent a pole right on the pier, grab some bait, and soak in the 360-degree SoCal views from one of the greatest views of the whole beach. Don’t forget to take plenty of pics.

SAN ONOFRE SURF BEACH

San Clemente
San Clemente is so nice, you have to stop twice. No, really — the world famous surf break at the Lower Trestles area of San Onofre Surf Beach is something you need to witness at least once. Both pro surfers and weekend warriors have been to known to whip out aerial maneuvers at this break. If you go swimming, you might even find yourself next to a few sea lions and dolphins.

GASLAMP QUARTER

Downtown San Diego
After almost 130 miles on the road, reward yourself by ending the trip in the heart of San Diego’s nightlife. In the Gaslamp Quarter, more than 100 local restaurants, lively pubs, and beach shops sit right in front of the Pacific Ocean. Whether it’s hitting up a summer baseball game (well, it’s always summer in SD) or joining a downtown foodie walking tour, it’s the only way to end this SoCal road trip.

Article courtesy of Thrillist.

August 18, 2018

Economic update for the week ending August 18, 2018

California employers add 46,700 jobs in July – The Employment Development Department reported that 46,700 new jobs were added in July. The unemployment rate held at a record low of 4.2%. The number of job gains exceeded expectations, but average hourly wages rose just 2.2% from one year ago.

Stocks surge on renewed trade talks – Stocks had a turbulent week. They dropped early in the week as fears that a currency and economic collapse in Turkey could spread to other countries within the region, but surged Thursday and Friday as trade negotiations with China, Mexico, and Canada were reported. Investors are also very optimistic as the second quarter earnings season comes to a close. Most companies reported double digit percent increases in profits. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,669.33, up from 25,313.14 last week. It is up 3.8% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,850.13, up from 2,833.25 last week. It’s up 6.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,816.33, down from 7,839.12 last week. It’s up 13.2% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields unchanged – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.87%, unchanged from 2.87% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.03%, unchanged from 3.03% last week.

Mortgage rates slightly lower for the week – The August 16, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.53%, down from 4.59% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.01% from 4.05% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.86%, down slightly from 3.90% last week.

California existing home sales slow for third straight month in July – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 406,920 in July on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis. That was down 0.9% from June and 3.4% below last July’s level when home sales totaled 421,460 on an annualized basis. The state-wide median price paid for a home was $591,460 in July, up 7.6% from last July. On a regional level, prices in Los Angeles County rose 5.5%, Orange County prices rose 5.6%, and Ventura County prices rose just 2.1% from July 2017. Inventory levels continued to increase. The unsold inventory index ticked up to a 3.3 month supply in July, up from 3.2% last July. A normal market has a 6 -7 month supply. Active listings increased for a fourth consecutive month after 33 months of declines, increasing 11.9% from last July.

Have a great weekend!

Syd