For this savory edition we’re rounding up the best places in the city of LA to dine 2018 away and brunch 2019 in! So if your more excited about five course menus versus full open bars then this is the list for you. But scroll and secure quickly, because NYE is a mere week away and reservations are filling up fast!!
The buffet style menu is $175.00/pp and includes tray passed appetizers, buffet stations (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm), all-inclusive beverages (specialty cocktails, wine, beer and Champagne toast at Midnight).
Twas’ the weekend before Christmas and all through the house every creature was stirring…because Christmas is almost here! Ok, well thats not quite how the story goes but you catch our winter drift! In order to ensure your weekend is on that level of festive, we have your holiday round-up signed, sealed and delivered by Santa(sort of…). So turn on your favorite holiday tunes, dress in your tackiest holiday sweater and paint the town red or green or both!!
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Limited engagements taking place this Dec. 21st-23rd, 2018!
Visitors and locals are invited to check out live holiday music in the epicenter of Beverly Hills every Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. during BOLD Holidays. Beverly Canon Gardens will transform into a festive setting while various artists perform holiday tunes throughout the season. The city will be decked out in colorful holiday décor and offer extended shopping hours, interactive holiday pop-up experiences, BOLD Rides in exotic cars and live holiday music in the Beverly Canon Gardens.
In ELF, Will Ferrell is at his hilarious best as Buddy, a human who has been raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole. All grown up, Buddy causes oversized mayhem in the elves’ petite Christmas workshop, so he heads to New York City in search of his real identity. Don’t miss this beloved Holiday feature at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre!
Experience the dazzling lights, jolly sounds and comforting scents of the holiday season like never before. At Fa La Land, the world’s most festive pop-up museum everything sparkles brighter in this immersive and interactive environment. Crafted to delight both the young and young at heart all will enjoy. Step into an old fashioned North Pole, help make toys at “Jingle Bell Toy Factory”, get lost in light in a fluorescent “Fa La Forest”, jump on stage at “Fa La Fest” and get your Christmas list ready for your private audience with the Big Man himself – Santa will spread his good cheer.
SiriusXM & AEG Presents The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks! Tour. Featuring music from the group’s three holiday albums as well as original material from Brian Setzer, the Christmas tour has become “an annual tradition for many people,” according to Setzer. This show is sure to getting you in the holiday spirit!
Join Watson Adventures on a unique murder mystery scavenger hunt! A murdered curator has left behind a cryptic trail of clues connected with secrets in works at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. As your team gathers answers about the art, you’ll piece together a sordid tale revolving around a planned purchase of a rare painting by Leonardo da Vinci. You’ll have to crack a secret code in order to solve this murder. Advance purchase is required. Questions? Call 877-9GO-HUNT.
This holiday season the always merry Groundlings are spreading holiday cheer once again with their latest and greatest Groundlings Holiday Show! Yule surely be laughing your way through the holiday season with these holly, jolly original sketches. Director Damon Jones leads a gathering of impish elves including Lauren Burns,Michael Churven, Matt Cook, Josh Duvendeck, Ryan Gaul, Laird Macintosh, Ariane Price, Eliot Schwartz, and Alex Staggs. The show opens this Friday, November 30 at 8 pm, and will run every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm ($25) and 10 pm ($20) through December 22.
Antiques Make Great Gifts! Shop with over 200 sellers with antiques, collectibles, arts & crafts, vintage jewelry, clothes, records, plants, home decor, new and vintage gift items and more! Enjoy photos with Santa Claus, DJ Ozzie in the Park, Ed Gould and Stacey Robin in the Plaza, Christmas Carolers strolling the Faire and Eggnog & Cookies at Street Faire Antiques! It is free admission and Pet Friendly!
The Walt Disney Concert Hall becomes a big, fancy movie theater for this special holiday screening event. The movie will play on a big screen with the lyrics of the musical numbers projected so you can join in and sing along. December 23 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown; tickets $34-$69.
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls. Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises!
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!”
Established in 1931, Canter’s Deli has been a Hollywood Icon since its opening. Beloved for its home style feel and classic diner dishes.”You can almost tell what time it is by the crowd,” says Terri Bloomgarden, co-owner of the landmark Canter’s Delion Fairfax Avenue. The 24-hour deli is a Los Angeles staple, welcoming people from all over the city at all hours of the day.
The Pantry has been an institution downtown, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since 1924. You can always stop at the old, relaxed cafe for pancakes and bacon with coffee. The menu is American comfort food: roast beef dinner, tuna salad, coleslaw, country-fried steak, ice cream, pie and more.
Friends & Family is a seasonal restaurant, bakery and marketplace in East Hollywood, CA led by Chef Daniel Mattern and Pastry Chef/Baker Roxana Jullapat. At Friends & Family, they continue their dedication to all things seasonal with a market-driven day-time menu that also offers a variety of artisan breads and pastries made daily with locally-sourced, heirloom grains.
While the eatery is only a weekend lunch spot with weekday hours beginning at 5pm, it is still a go to for your midday burger craving! Father’s Office is the acclaimed gastropub by chef Sang Yoon, as well as the home of much touted ‘Office Burger.’ Serving food that is rooted in the rich bar culture of Europe, they employ the freshest ingredients available in Southern California. Father’s Office also offers a robust beverage program, featuring a seasonally rotating selection of 36 craft beers on tap, along with esoteric small producer wines, micro distilled spirits and classic cocktails.
This quintessential sushi spot is tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript strip mall on Sunset; it’s a good thing since seats (and opening hours) are limited. It’s strictly Omakase at the sushi bar, and well worth it—should you take this option, you’ll have to cross your fingers that the blue crab hand roll (more and more ubiquitous around LA, but still superb) and skipjack sashimi are on the night’s menu.
Echo Park’s Cosa Buona is an eastside staple for a casual menu that goes beyond pizza to include a collection of droolworthy sandwiches. They all stay true to the Italian-American ethos of the place, from those mozzarella sticks to chicken parm or meatball sandwiches to a collection of simple salads.
The Wolves bar and restaurant is now open on Spring Street in Downtown L.A., and lines for a seat at the bar are already routinely an hour and a half long. Food is overseen by Matthew Poley of Heirloom LA. The dishes are classic-ish: an open-faced beef Wellington sandwich;, chitarra pasta with white wine and seafood; garlic-rubbed polenta bread with whipped avocado, labneh, and basil blossoms.
Casey Lane works up a coastal Italian menu at the Le Peer Hotels Viale dei Romani. Cooking up mostly Italian flavors, the food is made with the broader scope of the Mediterranean at hand. That means everything from pasta and pizza to wood-oven seafood, raw fish dishes like crudos, and more, with ingredients spreading from North Africa to France and back to Italy. There is also a full bar, of course.
Cassia is a partnership between husband-and-wife duos Bryant & Kim Ng and Josh Loeb & Zoe Nathan. Taking its roots from Bryant and Kim’s culinary heritage and experiences, Cassia celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, striking a unique balance of soulful, ancestral cuisine and a California sensibility, utilizing the best quality ingredients from local farmers.
Get into the spirit of the season and explore the city of stars decked with holly…well LED lights to be exact and maybe some holly. Read our round up below of the best holiday light installations and celebrations happening this month in LA!
Moonlight Forest at The LA Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Moonlight Forest is an unforgettable evening of art, culture and discovery. Presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Moonlight Forest celebrates the time-honored tradition of lantern art. Master artisans from China’s Sichuan province have crafted a dazzling array of lanterns. The exhibition route is a gentle one-mile walk and takes about an hour.
Since its debut in 2014, L.A. Zoo Lights has grown into a can’t-miss nighttime holiday light experience. Glowing animals welcome you on an unforgettable night time journey that includes giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, a whimsical herd of animated elephants, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.
Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience that features a one-mile walk through ten lighting displays in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. While guests usually take about an hour to walk through Enchanted – Descanso Gardens recommends allowing at least 90 minutes to enjoy the experience.
Make a stop at Union Station this holiday season. During the month of December, travel hub will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Features of the display include thousands of glistening lights, a “Cocoa Bar” with Elftenders, a Holiday Craft Zone, a Kids Zone, and selfies with Santa and the Snow Queen.
Grand Park’s Winter Glow is a new month-long, immersive nighttime experience that’s taking over Grand Park in celebration of the holidays. Families will make new holiday memories strolling through this 12-acre art, projection and light display, exhibit and installation. Experience the wonder of Grand Park like never before – iconic elements of the park, including the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, will shine in new and exciting ways. Familiar pathways will lead to exciting new discoveries as Grand Park is transformed by the latest in light and projection technology.
Marina Lights will cast a festive glow on Burton Chace Park from 4–10 p.m. nightly in December. Select Saturdays feature free entertainment, a warming station and refreshments for purchase. Highlights include Holiday Music by The Wonderelles and The Voices of Christmas; Holiday Movies, including the Frozen Sing-Along and Glow Party NYE. For more info, check out the Visit Marina del Rey page.
Every year, an eight square-block area of the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills is transformed into Candy Cane Lane. A dazzling celebration of lights, figures and artificial snow, Candy Cane Lane is an informal group of Woodland Hills homeowners. The annual event begins on the second Saturday of December and lasts through the end of the year.
Candy Cane Lane is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills. The closest exit is Winnetka, off the 101 freeway. Residents ask that visitors drive by no later than 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Begin your visit to the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza from Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance, then slowly drive or stroll along Robert Road. Every home along this neighborhood road is festively decorated–glittering with lights. Local kids will often sell hot cocoa to visitors as they pass by their houses. The Sleepy Hollow Christmas lights start brightening the holidays the first full weekend of December and last until the first week of January.
Now that “Festivus” draws near, it is no better time to explore the city’s most joyous events this December. No matter your holiday of choice, there is something for all to enjoy. So throw on your tackiest sweater, take your spiced cider to go and venture out this holiday season!
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Limited engagements taking place this Dec. 7th-9th
Friday, Dec. 7th
Yuletide Cinemaland
Location: Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles
Street Food Cinema bring their signature brand of outdoor-screening magic to L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum with Yuletide Cinemaland. This festive celebration centers around a Charles Dickens-style town square. Celebrate the nostalgia of classic holiday movies with Christmas carolers, food trucks, hot chocolate, mulled wine, craft beer and more. Explore picturesque Victorian-era homes dressed for the holidays, join piano sing-alongs and experience the Instagram-worthy Holiday Light Tunnel. Click here for more info.
American Contemporary Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Suite
The American Contemporary Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Suite
Location: California Plaza, DTLA
Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker in this first person perspective showcase performed by the American Contemporary Ballet. Witness this timeless tale as you become the main character. Once the entertainment concludes, The Fairy will guide you to a celebration with champagne, live music and more! Click here for more info.
Holiday Concerts in the Playhouse District
Holiday Concerts in the Playhouse District Presents: Little Brazil
Enjoy the sounds of the season along with the Pasadena Playhouses’ Holiday display this Friday. Little Brazil brings their signature Brazilian flavors with holiday classics to the Vroman’s Courtyard. Complimentary coffee from The Next Chapter will also be served to all patrons. Experience a new kind of seasonal tradition! Click here for more info.
Saturday, Dec. 8th
Santa Monica Pub Crawl
Santa Monica Pub Crawl
Location: Santa Monica
What better way to jumpstart the holidays than jingling all the way to SMPC’s 10th annual holiday event. Ok, maybe no jingling but certainly a fair amount of festive fun. With over 6,000 patrons having crawled until their hearts content last year, this years event is sure to be just as memorable. The fee to take part is $15 and proceeds from the Pub Crawl will go towards the Westside Food Bank to aid those in need during the holiday season. Click here for more info.
Festival of Carols
Festival of Carols-Disney Concert Hall
Location: Disney Hall, DTLA
Whether you love a classic holiday song or just the joy of the season, the Festival of Carols is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. With over 100 classically trained carolers, this event is sure to warm the heart of even the most Grinch-iest of Grinches in your friend group. Click here for more info.
Snow Wonder
Snow Wonder
Location: Burton Chase Park
Ring in the holidays at Marina Del Rey’s annual Holiday celebration-Snow Wonder. Enjoy art, crafts, music, food and even real snow as Burton Chase Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The event will also feature a fireworks display followed by the Marina’s Boat parade. Whether you chose to sled or sit in on the days fun, Snow Wonder is guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family. Click here for more info.
Sunday, Dec. 9th
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys
Stevie Wonder-House Full of Toys Benefit Concert
Location: Staples Center
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys returns for its 22nd year at the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. The event is hosted by the musician himself along with other special guest in order to raise funds to provide toys for thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals, and shelters. This year the show will also serve as a benefit concert for those affected by the recent California Wildfires. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or toy. Click here for more info.
Big Sunday’s 9th Annual Holiday Party & Sing Along
Big Sunday Annual Holiday Party and Sing Along
Location: 6111 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038
Hosting their 9th annual Holiday party, Big Sunday is inviting all to join them and enjoy singing, food and fun with their guest of honor–the incredible kids from Ability First and other with disabilities large and small. In addition, volunteers are still needed to spread holiday cheer as they deck the halls and light a menorah along with loads of arts, crafts and festive treats. Click here for more info.
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2018
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
Location: The Forum, Inglewood
Enjoy another year of KROQ’S end-of-year showcase with some of the best musical acts from around the country. Proceeds from the concert will go to benefit Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center.” Sundays lineup will include Florence + the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Billie Eilish, Chvrches and more! Click here for info.
Now that the holidays are in full swing, the bounty of festive events is upon us. While it’s never quite “Winter” in LA, we certainly know how to make the magic of the season happen. With that in mind, we say pause your Netflix night in and don your best seasonal attire, Tis’ the Season for the Holidays in LA Pt. 2!!
Winter Wonderland at The Grove
Nov. 19th-Dec. 25th
Location: The Grove
Celebrate the holidays at one of LA’s famed shopping destinations-The Grove. The month long celebration features a 100-foot Christmas Tree, the Santa House, and additional live music and entertainment. Snow falls every evening up until December 25th at 7pm and 8pm. Click here for more info.
Santa Con
Santa-Con
December 8th
Location: TBA
As the event sates, Santa Con is one of the few chances adults get to truly take part in the wonder of Christmas. It likely doesn’t hurt that adult beverages are involved. Part-takers are encouraged to dress in their Jolly best for this free angeleno event. Click here for more info.
Brew HoHo
December 8th
Location: The Phoenix Club, Anaheim
With over 100 craft beers to chose from, its no wonder Brew HoHo stays a hit year after year. Many of the city’s best beer is brewed in Anaheim, making the venue of choice that much more ideal for the beer fanatic in you. Click here for more info.
Santa Monica Pub Crawl
Santa Monica Pub Crawl
December 8th
Location: Santa Monica
What better way to jumpstart the holidays than jingling all the way to SMPC’s 10th annual holiday event. Ok, maybe no jingling but certainly a fair amount of festive fun. With over 6,000 patrons having crawled until their hearts content last year, this years event is sure to be just as memorable. The fee to take part is $15 and proceeds from the Pub Crawl will go towards the Westside Food Bank to aid those in need during the holiday season. Click here for more info.
Festival of Carols
December 8th & 15th
Location: Disney Hall, DTLA
Whether you love a classic holiday song or just the joy of the season, the Festival of Carols is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. With over 100 classically trained carolers, this event is sure to warm the heart of even the most Grinch-iest of Grinches in your friend group. Click here for more info.
Snow Wonder
Marina Del Rey-Snow Wonder
Dec. 8th
Location: Burton Chase Park
Ring in the holidays at Marina Del Rey’s annual Holiday celebration-Snow Wonder. Enjoy art, crafts, music, food and even real snow as Burton Chase Park isn transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The event will also feature a fireworks display followed by the Marina’s Boat parade. Whether you chose to sled or sit in on the days fun, Snow Wonder is guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family. Click here for more info.
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toy’s benefit concert
December 9th
Location: Staples Center
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys returns for its 22nd year at the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. The event is hosted by the musician himself along with other special guest in order to raise funds to provide toys for thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals, and shelters throughout LA. This year the show will also serve as a benefit concert for those affected by the recent California Wildfires. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or toy. Click here for more info.
Winter Wonderland End of Year Party
The Source OC- Winter Wonderland Year End Party
December 15th
Location: The Source, Buena Park
While there is still a couple weeks before you start planning your NYE celebrations, The Source’s Year-End party is the kickstarter. With a five-hour open bar, food samples, and a goodie bag valued at over $100 as well as top-notch DJ’s, you’ll leave having won the season! Click here for more info.
Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 19th-23rd
Location: Newport Beach
Celebrating its 110th annual year, the Newport Beach Boat Parade is a showcase of luxury. From boats to yachts and even canoes donned in over $500,000 worth of Holiday decor, it is a spectacle worth viewing. Don’t miss out on on Bayside lit up in its festive splendor. Click here for more info.
LA County Holiday Celebration
LA County Holiday Celebration
December 24th
Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, DTLA
Celebrate the many cultures of the Holidays and LA at the LA County’s 59th Annual Holiday Celebration. This free event is fun for all ages with over three-hours of multicultural music, dancing, and performances. Many diverse L.A. – based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. The event is put on by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and will also be streamed on pbssocal.org. Click here for more info.
The Holidays at Universal Studios
Now-January 6th
Location: Universal Studios, Universal City, LA
Let your inner “Who” or “Wizard” run free at Universal Studios annual Holiday celebration. Enjoy a “Grinchmas” with all of your Whoville favorites and Dec.8, 9 and 14 – 30 as you partake in Who-liday celebrations. Solemnly swear that your up to no good? Well you wont need a Marauders map for the Wizarding World pf Harry Potter’s Christmas celebration. Venture over to Hogsmeade and enjoy festive decor, and dazzling lights music cast against the backdrop of the Hogwarts Student Choir and accompanying throaty frogs. Plus what better time to enjoy a hot cup of Butterbeer (in our case all the time but especially during the holidays)? Click here for more info.
“Holiday Time in Paleyland”
Holiday Time in PaleyLand
Nov. 24th-Jan 6th
Location: The Paley Center, Beverly Hills
Celebrate the joy of the season with a family-friendly line-up of classic holiday features. Playing from noon-5pm will be festive favorites like Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Rugrats Kwanzaa, and Frosty the Snowman. Santa will also be there for the fun on the weekend and select weekdays from 11am-5pm. Enjoy the screenings while taking part in fun games and complimentary hot cocoa! Click here for more info.
Queen Mary Christmas
Dancers perfrom around the main Christmas tree at the Queen Mary’s Chill Ice Adventure Park in Long Beach on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
Now-Jan. 6th
Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
Step aboard Long Beach’s Queen Mary for a Holiday Extravaganza. A mix of new and old traditions, the holiday spectacular features beautiful decks of lights, carolers and musical performances. Enjoy the outdoor skating rink or visit with Santa. Walk through the Gingerbread Village or lounge in Santa’s Captains Quarters. There is festive fun for all to be had! For more info click here.
Holiday in the Park
Holiday in The Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Dec. 15th-30th
Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles
The “Thrill Capital of the World” brings you all the holiday joy this season with their festive celebration. With over two million lights strewn about the park from Merry Lane to Santa’s Cottage, you will be in a world of holiday splendor. Entertainment will include the Holiday Square Carolers and music by the Mistletones and Kwerkmas. Jingle all the way through the day and don’t miss out on this family fun! Click here for more info.
No matter your plans this season, we at Rodeo Realty wish everyone a Happy Holidays!
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 deal of the day…”
Top Chef contestant Shirley Chung has completed her LA move, after opening a smaller stall at The Fields and now this all-day contender in Culver City, serving breakfast through dinner (with a small break in the afternoon) serving reasonably priced, new school Chinese comfort fare. So far the results are pretty solid, making Ms. Chi one of the most compelling places to open in Downtown Culver City since Bacoshop.
Already clogging up Instagram with its delectable Japanese-style sandwiches, this coffee and daytime restaurant goes into a tiny slot in Echo Park from Akira Akuto and Nick Montgomery. Order the katsu sando, Japanese-style convenience store food, and see what happens when cooks use high-quality Duroc pork with plush milk bread. Prices are high considering the inspiration for these sandwiches, but the flavor is there to match.
Amara Chocolate’s tiny interior is often mistaken for a Venezuelan cafe. And while the spicy cacao latte is worth it, so are the fluffy, yet crispy arepas. The kitchen stuffs these traditional Venezuelan pockets with shredded beef arepas with gouda, or fresh cheese, black beans, and ripe sweet plantains. Amara also has something unique to LA: cachapas, a Venezuelan crêpe made with fresh and roasted yellow corn.
This Downtown Indian restaurant has a new outlet in the heart of Fairfax District serving upscaled curry classics. Bring a crew and share the hyped (but delicious) chicken tikka poutine, spicy lamb vindaloo, and fresh naan.
Echo Park’s Cosa Buona is an eastside staple for a casual menu that goes beyond pizza to include a collection of droolworthy sandwiches. They all stay true to the Italian-American ethos of the place, from those mozzarella sticks to chicken parm or meatball sandwiches to a collection of simple salads.
This second floor space looks unassuming from the street but inside there’s possibly the best Sichuan food outside of San Gabriel Valley and it’s deep in the Westside. Sure, there’s Din Tai Fung and Meizhou Dongpo at nearby Century City, but the real sichuan spice lovers will come to this Santa Monica Boulevard strip mall for one of LA’s top Chinese restaurants. Try the special noodles, cold chicken, and toothpick lamb.
Highly regarded San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson has brought his Alta restaurant to West Adams, installing Watts native Keith Corbin as the chef. The fare and vibe is spot-on for what the neighborhood needs, a well composed dining room that doesn’t feel fussy with some “California soul food” to match on the menu. Corbin takes comfortable classics like fried chicken, oxtails and rice, and collard greens and puts a bit of finesse on them. Don’t miss the excellent wine list either.
This casual pasta and salad restaurant in El Segundo is a smash hit with locals, taking over a corner slot in a strip mall and filled with carb-loving diners. Chef Jackson Kalb, formerly of Factory Kitchen and NYC’s Union Square Cafe, takes a casual every day Italian-American approach to pasta, with some maximum flavor going into the handmade noodles. It’s the most exciting place to open in this main drag of El Segundo since the next door Sausal debuted a few years back.
Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson opened this sleek modern Middle Eastern restaurant in early 2017 with a commitment to refined, restrained technique and top-quality farmers market produce. The result is one of the most popular new restaurants in the city. The morning Turkish-ish breakfast is a solid daytime pick, while the mezzes and small plates rule the roost for dinner service.
Have any plans for the weekend? There are plenty of things to do in and around Los Angeles. For instance, visit the LA Auto Show, enjoy a holiday screening put on by the Rooftop Cinema Club, or take a festive one mile train ride at Griffith Park! Whatever you decide to do, get out and do something fun!
So, here is a list of events to help you get your planning started! Lastly, make sure to look out for discounted tickets for many of the events!
Friday Nov. 30th, 2018
1. November 29 – December 16: Firstly, Canon PORTALS will be coming to Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Guests will enjoy photo-walks, workshops, and on-site camera experts. FREE
2. November 23 – December 2: The Santa Ana Park is kicking off the holiday season with Winterfest. The event will include a petting zoo, carolers, more than 80 vendors, and a special visit from Santa. Check for discounted tickets.DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
3. November 30 – December 9: View thousands of cars on display at the LA Auto Show. This event will take place at the LA Convention Center.
4. November 10 – January 6: Go to the outdoors holiday skating rink, the LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square.
5. The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink is hosting The Silent Skate Party. Therefore, headphones will be provided to all skaters.
6. November 18 – January 6: Enjoy a pop up museum at Row DTLA. Fa La Land will have a variety of installations. This event is happening Tuesdays through Sundays. Look for discounted tickets.DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
7. Enjoy Silent Night, Silent Disco at FIGat7th. This event will feature three DJs curated by KCRW’s Anthony Valadez. Everyone is welcomed, however, donations of food and or new toys are required for entrance.
Saturday Dec. 1st, 2018
8. December 1 – 25: Experience a nighttime light attraction at Grand Park’s Winter Glow. The event will include 19 large scale installations by local artists. FREE
10.The Union Station Holiday Festival is hosting a pop-up artisan marketplace with live entertainment, activities for kids, food trucks, a craft beer garden, and plenty more! Most importantly, admission is free.
11. November 23 – January 6: Celebrate the holiday with Queen Mary Christmas. The Long Beach vessel will include an 80-foot Christmas tree and many holiday activities! Also, look out for discounted tickets. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
12. November 15 – January 21: Pershing Square is bringing back the Bai Holiday Ice Rink. Enjoy a 7200 sq. ft. outdoor ice-skating experience. In addition to skating, other events will take place throughout the duration of the rink.
13. An interactive pop-up museum has arrived to Pasadena! The Foodie Space is a great place for those foodie photo-taker’s. For example, food-themed exhibits will include a giant bowl of phở, glitter fries, and more. The pop-up is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
14. View a holiday themed screening at the Rooftop Cinema Club. The venues will turn into a Winter Wonderland with many holiday decorations! Home Alone will be screening this weekend.
16. Enjoy a holiday show at The Walt Disney Concert Hall, an English Cathedral Christmas. Also, L.A. Master Chorale will be performing both classic and modern tunes.
17. Want to learn more on Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques? Take the home cooking series, Japan House presents Japanese Food Lab. Attendees will learn how to make chakin sushi. Also, students will see a demonstration on how to use seasonal ingredients to make miso soup.
18. First Sunday of Every Month: Stop by The Regent in DTLA and check out The Rock and Roll Flea Market. The flea market will include 50 vendors. In addition, a brunch menu, two full bars, and a DJ will also be offered. FREE entrance.
19. December 2: The East Los Angeles Christmas Parade will go through Whittier Blvd with a variety of floats and bands. In addition, the event will also include food, games, live music, and much more. FREE
