While Valentine’s day means many things for different people, single, coupled or married, it all started with those cartoon cards of our childhood days. So this Valentine’s day, show your little ones what the holiday is all about with kid-approved v-day fun!
It’s famous for that spaghetti kiss—a legendary scene that Walt Disney almost cut out. But Lady and the Tramp has many other charming moments: the script evolved out of years of personal pet stories shared by the studio’s animal-loving writers and executives. A true labor of love. See it at El Capitian around Valentine’s Day and you’ll be treated to a candlelit dinner before the movie, catered by Miceli’s (sold separately; call 818-845-3110).
When: Thursday, February 14, 2018 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Many people think of Valentine’s Day as a Hallmark holiday, but Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is fighting against that at their Valentine’s Day event. With the goal of helping children understand the meaning behind the holiday, the museum will educate children on the symbols related to the holiday and what they represent, as well as host story times, games and more.
Come socialize, shop, & play at a Valentines Themed Playdate! There will be a Mommy & Me Art Project by Fillthatspace, Valentines Mini Photoshoots, 2 Usborne storytimes, & Childrens Yoga by Aloha Kids Yoga. There will also be sensory tables by Brander Blooms & Moms With Groms. This event is completely free! Enjoy Mimosa specials for the moms and free cotton candy for the kids with food purchase! Please register so event organizers know how many kiddos are coming!
A Fairy Tea Party, is a magical event, especially for a week filled with love. For this specially-themed event, each table will be hosted by one of A Faery Hunt’s charming faeries. English Tea Sandwiches, shortbread cookies, faery fruit and veggies, and Fairy Tea will be served; catered by an amazing Fairy Caterer. Circle-time story time with the faeries, music, dancing, and surprises.
Aside from watching this Sundays big game, there are plenty of other fun things to do in LA for the non-sports fans. Since time is of the essence (especially on our rainy days), we have rounded up the best activities this weekend provides. So ditch your usual weekend routine and check out one of the events below…or all of them! The choice is yours this Super Bowl Sunday!!
Friday, January 1st
Night of Ideas
Location: National History Museum
Join the Consulate General of France in at the National History Museum this Friday for Night of Ideas Los Angeles. The evening will include engaging lectures, live musical and dance performances, readings and art installations.
While there us still plenty of time for you to snag a date before Valentines Day, celebrate your singleness at the Breakup Bar Popup. Hosted by the Severance Wine Bra, this limited engagement event is the ultimate anti-valentines day. Enjoy breakup appropriate movie screenings, a Wall of Broken Relationships, and a bounty of themed cocktails and bites. Bring your friends or even your date for a trip down memory lane, or at least some pre-V-day fun.
Let your inner bookworm roam free this weekend as Rare Books L.A. comes tot he Pasadena Convention Center. I know your asking, what does this event have that my local bookstore doesn’t? Well for starters, in LA bookstores are nearly extinct. Aside from that new-age fact, Rare Books LA brings you literary treasure from around the world. The fair will feature one hundred of the finest specialist in antiquarian books, fine prints, photography, and ephemera form the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
The 2019 Japanese Food Expo comes to Universal City this Saturday. The event will feature food, sake, and travel exhibits from 50+ exhibitors. Whether you just love eating Japanese food or want to be the Japanese food guru among your friends, this is the event for you!
Two food events in one weekend?! We know the choice is hard so leave it up to your palette to decide. If your feeling something on the sweeter side, this is the event for you. Enjoy baking demos and workshops, celebrity chefs and hundreds of samples all day long. Can’t make it on Saturday? No worries, this is a two day event, so these delicious treats will be awaiting you Sunday as well. Now you don’t have to chose which food event to do!
A musical afternoon with a full symphonic performance from Long Beach Symphony celebrating things that fly. From bumblebees to birds, kites to magic carpets, dragons to aliens, and superheroes to starships, it’ll be endless fun! Enjoy an afternoon of interactive musical activities, face painting, sing-alongs, conducting, dancing, and MORE!
Featuring over 65 exhibitors from across Southern California, the Pickwick Vintage show will feature collections of one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, textiles, inspiration, and findings. The event invites all collectors, connoisseurs, the design community, and fashionistas to check out the showcase of goodies spanning all eras. The Pickwick Vintage Show boasts treasures for all tastes and budgets– a little something for everyone.
Super Vegan Sunday! Try to say that three times fast. And after your done with that, don’t miss this foodie approved 2nd annual event. Vegan Street Fair, Eat Drink Vegan, and Smorgasburg LA join forces and transform into a vegan food haven. Not vegan? Don’t worry… Smorgasburg LA will not be going 100% vegan for the day. Smorgasburg LA is always the perfect place for everyone and anyone to grab a bite, and Super Vegan Sunday will be no exception, with your favorite vendors serving vegan and non-vegan options all day long!
Yes we could include another event to fill-up your Sunday. But if you live in LA, your angeleno, so it is basically your resident duty to cheer on the LA Rams at some point. Saving you the hustle and bustle of finding a place to support our home team, we have a list of the best bars to catch the big game. Read our weekly feature Out and About: LA Sports Bars Edition at the link below for a roundup of Super Bowl Sunday approved spots.
While Budweiser is an obvious Superbowl beverage staple, that doesn’t mean you can shake things up for the non-beer drinkers out there. This weekend draw up a new game plan with the recipes we’ve rounded up below. We guarantee they’re delicious from beginning to end zone!
Red Snapper
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
2 oz tomato juice
.75 oz lemon juice
1 oz chilli sauce
.5 oz worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large glass. Add ice and stir to chill. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, salt and fresh cracked pepper.
Instructions: Muddle the cardamom pods in the bottom of a pre-heated Irish coffee glass. Add whiskey, Demerara syrup, hot coffee, and salt and stir together. Combine the heavy cream, sugar, orange zest, and bitters and whip together until the mixture is thick, but still pourable. Float cream over the top of the drink by pouring gently over the back of a spoon. Add an additional garnish, if you like, of a lightly toasted marshmallow.
Created by Joaquín Simó at Pouring Ribbons
Bright Lights Big City
Ingredients:
.075 oz Old Overheat
.075 oz Laird’s Apple Brandy
0.5 oz Gifford Rhubarbe
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.25 oz falemum
0.25 demerara
1 tonic
4 dashes of mango bitters
1 mint sprig (garnish)
Instructions: Shake ingredients and serve in collins glass with pebble ice. Top with tonic and mango bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.
Created by Kenneth McCoy, available at The Rum House.
The Wild Card
Ingredients:
3 drops vanilla bean extract
Bar spoon of Maille Mustard
2 oz. El Peloton mezcal
.5 oz lemon juice
.75 oz agave nectar
.75 oz egg white
Peychaud’s Bitters swirl (for garnish)
Star anise
Instructions: Put ingredients into shaker in this order: vanilla bean extract, bar spoon of mustard, lemon juice, agave, mezcal. Dry shake. Open up shaker and add ice. Double strain into a martini glass. Add a couple dashes of peychaud bitters and place star anise on top.
Instructions: Pour gin, elderflower liqueur and cucumber bitters into a long drink glass filled with ice and stir. Fill up with tonic water and stir again. Garnish with lemon wheel, cucumber slice, and mint sprig.
Courtesy of Alexander Hauck and Stephan Berg at The Bitter Truth
Tommy’s Margarita
Ingredients:
2 oz Olmeca Altos Blanco tequila
.75 oz agave nectar
.75 oz lime juice
Instructions: Combine ingredients in shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and black salt.
Instructions: In a pitcher, combine gin and Aperol. Stir. When ready to serve, add chilled sparkling rosé wine, and stir again gently. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Instructions: Pour SVEDKA Colada, lemonade, and the juice of 1 lemon wedge into a shaker. Add ice and shake briefly. Strain into a pint glass. Top with Corona Light. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
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The Dark and Stormy
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Gosling’s Rum
4-5 0z ginger beer
Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
Instructions: In a highball glass filled with ice add ginger beer and top with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Garnish with a lime wheel and candied ginger boat.
For football season, Liquor.com chose a bartender from each NFL team’s hometown to provide the perfect cocktail to represent their team.
“The D line and the linebackers are the strongest group in the Ram’s current lineup,” says John Coltharp, the head bartender at Los Angeles’ Seven Grand. “This stiff cocktail is a tribute to those seven players; it also features the earthy flavors the Rams want the opposing running back to experience when they shove his face into the ground.”
Ingredients:
1 oz Slow Hand white whiskey
1 oz Cynar
1 oz Campari
1 dash Orange bitters
1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
Garnish: Lemon peel
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Express the oil from a lemon peel over top of the drink and garnish with the peel on the ice, skin up.
vs.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Flying Elvis
For the New England Patriots, “this cocktail is a little taste of humble pie, with the strength and resolve of some local navy-strength rum providing structure, a little taste of the unexpected from the Amaro di Angostura and egg white, just like the Pats playbook,” says bartender Vikram Hegde at Cambridge, Mass.’s Little Donkey. “Plus, there’s a little something festive and tropical in the Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur (you know, because Gisele).”
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Privateer Navy Yard rum
½ oz Amaro di Angostura
½ oz Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur
½ oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
1 Egg white
Garnish: Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker, and shake without ice until emulsified for about a slow 5 count. Add ice and shake vigorously for a slow 10 count or until the shaker frosts over. Fine-strain into a lowball glass without ice, and garnish with a few dots of Angostura bitters in the shape of the Patriots’ Flying Elvis logo (to the best of your artistic ability).
The Rams have made it to the Superbowl as any true Angeleno knew they would! While we all prepare to celebrate their eventual win, the next item on the Game-day checklist is of course the food. So skip the generic wings and chips set-up and opt for something equally worthy of a touchdown. We’ve rounded up Superbowl Sunday approved recipes that will send your tastebuds into overtime. Oh come on you know it’s “pun-ty!”
Dips that will have you Running Back for more
Clam Chowder Dip
The creamy soup is obviously best enjoyed in a bread bowl to sop up the flavor. So not why try it as a dip so you can bring some seaside flair to the party.
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare.
Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”D
While the famed Italian restaurant has already landed on our list before, it’s new location in Brentwood was worth the double mention. With All-day menu items like olive oil eggs to their beloved pizza and pastas, its a lineup worthy of a westside trip. If not only to try the newest breakfast winner, the LT. This Jon & Vinny’s take on a known classic combines bacon with delectable tomatoes and runny fried egg.
Farmhouse blends the idea of farm-to-table with their vibrant and seasonal dishes. A marvelous collaboration between Executive Farmer Nathan Peitso and Executive Chef Craig Hopson – a featured chef of the James Beard House and veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens. Ingredients are a showcase of each months harvest at its peak, so the menu is always changing. January delights with a $32 weekend buffet brunch that offers fig and ricotta toast to start and a croque madame as one a few entree options.
The Kelly Wearstler designed establishment provides continental fare using french techniques. Viviane is tucked into the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. While the hotel feels comfortably vintage, the cuisine at Viviane is a modern ode to California. Taste quintessential LA dishes like their Acai Bowl which blends tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple together among other added fruits. Or go for something a but heartier like the Short Rib Hash, topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and skillet potatoes.
This 24-hour elegant diner is nestled in the heart of Hollywood at The Roosevelt Hotel. 25 Degrees lets you build your own burger, perfect for those afternoon cravings with choices like rich gruyere cheese or prosciutto. Take your top-notch diner experience to the next level with one of their famed malt shakes.
The Nancy Silverton and Joe Bastianich run eatery-Pizzeria Mozza is one three all-star spots in the Mozza Restaurant Group. Obviously their speciality is pies. But not just any pies, the perfectly charred crust kind with a crisp exterior and tasty toppings like squash blossoms and burrata.
Enjoy mouthwatering comfort food on a picturesque patio at Grub. The foliage-covered trellises make this an ideal brunch or lunch spot to take advantage of of while feasting on croissant french toast dredged in bourbon vanilla and cinnamon batter. For a less sweet and more savory midday meal, Denise’s Famous Mac and Cheese with a spicy cayenne kick will push you over that afternoon hump.
Mei Lin’s newly opened Nightshade has quickly become the talk of the town. With a menu full of Asian-American mashups, the Top Chef has even added her own gourmet twist to blooming onion. If the name is familiar, you would know it best as Outback Steakhouse’s iconic appetizer. Nightshade’s version, the tom yum onion is twice-fried and Thai spiced. While the mapo tofu lasagna and shrimp toast are among the other notably delish dishes.
You may know Curtis Stone from his cooking show hosting days, but you may not know of his hidden culinary gem in the 90210. Maude is named after Stone’s grandmother. The restaurants quarterly menu is inspired by a specific wine region from around the world. Reservations are a little tough to come by, but well worth the hassle.
After undergoing a massive $10 million dollar revamp last year, Crustacean land’s itself back at the top spot of gourmet asian-fusion cuisine. From starters to entrees, dishes are beautifully presented and inventive — like tuna stuffed into flaky brick de feuille cigars and dipped in tobiko caviar. Cocktails also come with a distinctively Asian-inspired twist, like Thai chili-infused vodka or gin with goji berries.
We aren’t reminiscing of everyone’s favorite realty show of the early 2000’s, but the OC is worth a visit, at least for the day. With Laguna Beach being a household name, the quirky seaside city lives up to its hype. Follow along palm-tree studded streets, strings of art galleries and sites to sit and sip amongst the buffs. Spend some time out and about in Laguna Beach:The Real OC (and our last mention of the show).
To start your day…
At the eatery the NY Times said had “the best avocado toast in the country”. The Stand Natural Foods has served as the town’s vegan centric restaurant go-to since the 70’s. With other deliciously hearty treats like their raw organic nut milks, you’ll be fully charged to start your day.
Afterwards why not take a stroll to the Laguna Art Museum, where you can view California based artwork in this custom-built gallery. The Museum was originally established in 1918 by the Laguna Beach Art Association, where local artists met in rustic cottage before moving a decade later to its current home.
For a one-stop-shop of activities for the whole family, The Ranch at LB is another place of daytime fun. While you can chose to stay overnight, the country club turned resort offers a range of things to do. From stargazing to cooking and mediation classes, garden tours, and even birdwatching. You’ll forget your on a day trip!
By the afternoon…
If you manage to tear yourself away from all that The Ranch has to offer, then make your way make to the bluffs for an afternoon reprieve and some light splurging.
The Montage Laguna Beach is a favorite among california locals and celebrities alike. With it’s Instagramable views and luxury offerings, lunch at their oceanside Mosaic Bar & Grill is almost too idyllic. But necessary. Take in the cool breeze and scenic views while enjoying gourmet cuisine in a serene setting.
After lunch, it only makes sense to enjoy some light retail therapy. For a beachy upscale vibe, Laguna Supply, a light filled boutique offers the perfect array of options for a modern OC woman.
And for the men, North Menswear is a fail proof spot, with Freenote shirts, Levi’s denim and more.
But if you prefer something with more of a nod to Laguna’s roots, then Thalia Surf Shop along PCH is a must. Focused on the towns rich surf history, is a trusted mix of clothing and gear dedicated to Cali’s most famous leisure activity other then hiking.
In the evening…
As the sun starts to set, opt for an early dinner at one of Laguna’s many culinary hotspots. Selanne Steak Tavern is a cozy, two story cottage built in 1934 feels like eating at your friends home, and co-owner Teemu Selanne, former NHL hockey player for the Anaheim Ducks, apparently likes it that way.
If you don’t quite feel like taking the trek back home, don’t forget The Ranch serves as a perfect staycation spot and under the Laguna night sky, s’mores fireside isn’t a bad idea.
While it has been a rainy week for us Angeleno’s, don’t let the weather dampen your fun! With so many events happening in and around the city, make the most of your weekend fun. Check out our round-up of activities, shows and concerts taking place January 18-20 in the city of stars!
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Friday, Jan. 18th
City Lights at Skyspace
If you haven’t been to Downtown LA’s sky-high attraction–Skyspace, their Friday night soiree is the perfect opportunity for a visit! From 1,000 feet above the sea of lights enjoy a dance party in the clouds. On the 69th and 70th floor you’ll enjoy premium sounds, entertainment and even a ride on the outdoor glass “Skyslide”.
Culture yourself with a night of Parisian cinema. Showcasing a variety of stories, the screening is a selection of short films nominated for a 2019 Cesars(French Oscars). If your first fret is the lack of french language skills, all films will have english subtitles. The event is brought to you by Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles with the L’Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles.
venture to the city of Pasadena for Family Astronomy Night. The evening is a fun free event for all featuring scientists from Carnegie Observatories. Stargaze with their team and see the moon, Mars and more.
It would be strange for you to be miss Odd Nights at The Autry. The Gallery stays open until 9 p.m. for a collection of vendors, gourmet food trucks, children activities and more every third Friday of the month.
Enjoy what Time Magazine has helmed their “Pick of the Month!”, Rudie-Decarlo’s production of Cinderella! The all-time favorite classic tale takes the Santa Monica Playhouse stage with a twist. Offering romantics from all walks of life the chance to try the glass slipper, it is a perfect fairytale for today’s generation.
The Asian American Expo returns to the Fairplex as the universally recognized largest Lunar New Year celebration in America. Now in it’s 38th year, the expo will feature a diverse lineup of new and returning exhibitors, sponsors, and activities. Click here for more details!
Sunday, Jan. 20th
Beautycon POP
Beautycon is offering a pop-up experience this weekend only for a scaled down taste of their annual convention. The limited engagement will feature immersive galleries, makeup brands, vendors, a salon and other beauty related activities.
Digital Color by Renowned Photographer Ralph Gibson
Opening this weekend and extended through February 24, Digital Color pays tribute to the milestone 80th birthday of renowned photographer Ralph Gibson. The exhibit will be presented by Leica Gallery Los Angeles with a series of captivating digital pieces taken by Gibson.
Enjoy a complimentary concert at LA’s Museum of Contemporary Art or LACMA for short. Gavin Martin (piano), Susan Greenberg (flute), Jonathan Davis (oboe), Michele Zukovsky (clarinet), Judith Farmer (bassoon), and Laura Brenes (horn) perform a medley of classics at the Bing Theatre.
Ok, so we are well through January but still working through our new year goals. Maybe thats revamping your home, or trying a new diet fad(we see and hear all about you Keto). If getting fit in the 2019 is on your vision board, then we have a treat for you! Discover LA’s newest luxury fitness center-THE WALL.
THE WALL is a revolutionary hybrid fitness center offering a luxury state of the art experience. Every visual detail is an expression of their philosophy to break through and rise above both physically and mentally. The studio designed to facilitate the 123 STACK and lead clients through an active journey in three distinct spaces. Click here to learn more.
Breakthrough to a new you!
Text “BREAKTHROUGH” to 323.676.0968 for a FREE week pass to THE WALL!