There’s more to this month then March Madness. With so many fun activities in LA we thought you might need more then the weekend round-up. Read below for a collection of events happening throughout the month and discover your inner Angeleno!
The Other Art Fair is Coming to Downtown L.A. (March 28-31)
This free celebration features a guest speaker from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Xipe Totec Aztec dancers, live music by Lorenzo and the Carnales, plus art, garden, and culinary workshops -> More information
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).
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.
West Hollywood is full of amazing sites, bites, shops and sounds. The style of which depends on your preference. From the Rock History of the Sunset Strip to priceless art hung in Miracle Miles Museum Row. Spend a day on Route 66, and discover one of LA’s most popular neighborhoods!
From AM:
If your an early riser we recommend a morning jog along the city’s most famed hiking trail–Runyon Canyon.
Runyon Canyon
The trail is always buzzing with celebrities and LA locals kicking off their morning fitness routine. Feel free to bring your furry friend too as Runyon Canyon is a pet-friendly jogging trail with amazing city views!
After you have worked up your energy settle down for a quintessential California meal at the neighborhood favorite–BBCM or The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker if you can say that three times fast.
BBCM Cafe
Sit outside under perfectly pruned Olive trees while you enjoy the LA morning sun and their selection of gourmet organic menu options.
Once you’ve finished with breakfast, it is time to venture off to the days next destination. We recommend a quick Uber ride over to the Miracle Mile where LA’s top museums await you.
LACMA
Start off at LACMA to view a range of Modern Contemporary Art and Exhibits. For those that prefer the kind of art that hits the road, the Peterson Automotive Museum is right across the street.
Peterson Automotive Museum
And for our movie buffs, soon enough the Academy will debut their Museum right alongside LACMA where priceless wardrobes and set pieces from famed films will be on view.
Stride a bit further outdoors and you’ll likely smell before you see–the La Brea Tar Pits. Long before Tesla’s roamed the streets of LA, Mastodons called it home.
La Brea Tar Pits
This landmark exhibit is still an excavation site for paleontologists that continuously discover new artifacts preserved in the tar of its former residents.
Needing a bit more culture on the top of your Contemporary Sundae? The MAK Center now serves as an Art & Architecture headquarters of LACMA but is most notably known as R.M. Schindler’s 1920’s abode. The homes current mainstay are the events and exhibitions that take place there throughout the year, as well as the children’s activities available daily.
To Afternoon:
Once you’ve had your fill of Weho’s art scene, make your way to famed Melrose Ave. Predominantly known as the hub for the city’s best in unique and chic apparel.
After your fashion overhaul is complete, it’s time for an afternoon nosh! Don’t stray away from the street your on because Melrose Ave. also serves as a premiere dining destination.
For gourmet Mexican, Gracias Madre rains supreme. So much so you’ll have a hard time believing its a vegan restaurant! Feeling for a bite on the heavier side?
Gracias Madre
Across the way and by way we mean street, is Cecconi’s. From the owners of Soho House, Cecconi’s is a pristine take on southern Italian. Between the modern designed interior to the delectable menu options, you’ll feel molto buona(very good)!
Cecconis
After a filling lunch, we recommend taking part in West Hollywoods Architectural Walk. Created by the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance, Walkable Weho: Architecture & Golden Era Walk is a captivating walk along the city’s premiere living gems.
Villa D’Este- West Hollywood
Begin your journey at Tara, the historic landmark building named after Tara from Gone with the Wind. Gaze upon 15 of Weho’s most famed residences, ending on the historic La Fountaine. Designed by Leland Bryant, the apartments served as a former home to celebrities like Bette Middler and Steve Martin.
To PM:
By the time you’ve walked, shopped and seen yourself out, it’s nightfall in LA and the real fun begins! Depending on your preference, the night in Weho can take you to any number of places. We recommend starting off with dinner at beloved eateries like Lucques or The Tower Bar.
Tower Bar- Sunset Tower Hotel
You’re likely to see a few famous faces along with enjoying award winning meals.
For our funny boned individuals, the Sunset Strip is home to comedian stomping grounds the Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store.
The Comedy Store
Both establishments have welcomed the likes of Eddie Murphy to Chevy Chase and still do the trick to this day.
Needing something on the buzzy side, further down the strip you’ll find the famed Rock N’ Roll Road.
The Roxy
With landmark venues like The Roxy and The Viper Room, you’ll not only be in the presence of Rock legend history, you may also discover a new favorite band.
Inspired to sing your own heart out?
Blind Dragon
Blind Dragon is the areas premiere Karaoke Bar from the h.Wood Group team(The Nice Guy, Delilah, 40 Love) with creative craft cocktails and belt worthy tunes.
For those wishing to dance the night away, 1OAK is never a disappointment if you don’t mind the line to get inside.
The Troubador
Otherwise, the true all-nighters venture over to the city’s Santa Monica Blvd for a truly lively atmosphere. The Troubador is always sure to put on a good show being another landmark musical hub.
Doheny Room
Next door The Doheny Room serves bites and sips downstairs with a NY club like atmosphere upstairs. And with party favorites like Pump, The Abbey, and Revolver throughout the street, you’ll have your pick of places.
No matter how your night ends, you can do no wrong along Route 66
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!”
Location: 339 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Nicole Rucker’s pies have been legendary ever since she won the Good Food pie contest in 2012, but you used to have to know the former Gjusta pastry chef to get one yourself. No more: At Fiona, the cute new bakery-restaurant from Rucker and a dream team that includes the guys from Cofax, she’s serving up chess pies, chocolate pies, lemon pies, and more in the bakery case, a for-now breakfast/brunch menu with interesting toasts and omelettes, and, coming in early December, some lunch and dinner options in collaboration with the chef from Simbal.*
Location: 300 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013
As one of the best acai bowl shops in town, Amazebowls has grown from a truck to a brick and mortar in Downtown L.A. (as well as a window on the Venice Boardwalk), selling their popular bowls and smoothies from the Arts District. Try the classic Amazebowl made withacai, blueberries, pineapple, banana, agave and hemp milk; or the Instagram-friendly Coconut Acai Bowl served in a chilled coconut and topped with a slew of superfoods.
It’s a bakery and café and bar and restaurant with multiple seating areas and patios. Inside, the bakery case gleams, the bar bustles, live plants and orb lighting hang from the ceiling on tasseled ropes. In the main dining area — a giant, covered patio — you sit on molded green and white chairs and eat off of wooden tables flanked by walls of ivy under giant wicker light shades. It all feels effortless and beautiful and so very, very Venice.
Chulita is a modern Mexican restaurant from owner Shireen Imani, opens tomorrow evening in the former Superba Snack Bar space on Rose Avenue. The incoming eatery has Alex Silva and Vanessa Salas running the menu. Overall Chulita’s menu goes for a Mexico City-style botanas y mezcales, or drinking food with spirits, in a sunny Tulum-esque ambience.
Burt Bakman, is the pitmaster at Slab, the most exciting new BBQ opening in LA since Maple Block. Part of the h.Wood Groups bustling line-up of restaurants(The NIce Guy, Poppy, Delilah to name a few), Slab is a “smoke-show” of a hit. Expect staples like smoked chicken and spare ribs, as well as “The Trudy Special,” a brie and brisket sandwich that’s become a fast favorite.
Location: 23504 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302
Offering local organic bites in the heart of Calabasas, Pedalers Fork is a delightful one stop shop that also serves as a full bar, café, and bike boutique all-in-one. With brunch, lunch, and dinner, there are many menu options and seating times to choose from. Stop by midday day for the Rock Shrimp Ceviche tossed in cucumber, radish, grapefruit, chili and sesame. Or venture over for an evening reprieve like their Truffle Pizza or Watkins Ranch Grass Fed Petite Filet with pomme aligot, cabernet sauce, truffle butter, and crispy shallots. Yum!
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Japan House is a new venue at Hollywood & Highland dedicated to all things, well, Japanese; Inn Ann is its hidden restaurant (literally, the name means “hidden retreat”), serving up a rotating menu of omakase from chefs visiting from Japan itself. The opening menu is from Chef Taro Araki, and includes a Japanese omelette with truffle and miso-marinated cheese.
Located right in the heart of the Arts District, Simone’s a beautiful, brick-laden, fresh-ingredient-forward spot from James Beard Rising Star Jessica Largey, who — thanks to some industry mover-and-shaker partners — has already been serving up Hollywood royalty (we were at the opening party… and so was ScarJo. No big whoop). The menu’s got all the Cali-friendly goodness you’d expect: pork collar with baby bok choy and charred peanuts, ricotta gnudi with grated tomato, and a ton of veggie dishes for the non-meat eaters of the world.
Location: 30770 Russell Ranch Rd, Ste. A, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Q Sushi provides a delectable seasonally influenced Japanese menu in an upscale and unparalleled setting. The Chefs showcase the true artisan of Izakaya sushi using the highest quality selections. Their precise attention to each minute detail is reflected in the bold flavoring and harmonious appearance from the freshly prepared Sushi to the Robata items and Kobe beef. The menu offerings are further completed with Q Sushi’s wide array of fine sakes, craft beers and wines from Kieu Hoang Winery in Napa Valley.
Los Angeles is full of bold history and unparalleled attractions. The home of Tinseltown. A pinnacle point of the Gilded Age. All synonymous with Downtown LA–a creative mix of the times, both new and old.
Take an Angels Flight on LA’s only Funicular. Hear masterpieces at Disney’s Concert Hall. Spend a day in DTLA and enjoy a true piece of quintessential California.
Keeping in mind the many areas of DTLA to explore, we will focus on the highlight reel of day to night activities.
At Dawn…
To nosh!
Start your morning off the Parisian way with a trip to DTLA’s belovedBottega Louie.
Bottega Louie
Before Laduree was kind enough to make it’s long overdue west-coast appearance, Bottega was the only place one could get a luxury Macaron collection whilst enjoying a french style brasserie. While there are more than a few shops that offer that perfect Paris treat now, Bottega Louie will always hold a special place in our Angeleno hearts. Try the delectable Beignets served with Raspberry compote or the Tuscan Farro and Eggs tossed in Rainbow Carrots, Fresh Kale, and Mushrooms. Bon Appetit!
For Arts sake!
After you finish your trip down french cuisine lane, your not too far to have your pick of art on display at The BroadorMOCA.
The Broad
While both museums offer their own range of Modern Contemporary Art, each will provide you a unique experience and proper dose of culture.
Satisfy your inner book worm then head over to the Grammy Museum for a different collection of art with one of a kind pieces to gander at from musics biggest legends.
The Grammy Museum
Structural Wonders
For those who have an admiration for the great architecture of LA, the Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours is here to assist. As they guide you through and by DTLA’s iconic facades, you’ll have your choice of style. Choose between tours of modern skyscrapers or the Historic Core, Art Deco icons or Victorian mansions. A true display of LA’s most beautiful building.
The two are unlike one another as the Bradbury is DTLA’s oldest commercial building established in 1893. While much of the space is utilized for private office use, movie buffs may recognize its iconic iron staircases from the climax of Bladerunner.
After this historical stop, save sometime to venture to the next one, if not only to at least pick up a mid morning reprieve. The Spring Arcade building still brims with the beauty of its 1924 structure.
Spring Arcade Building
Enter the terra cotta archway as you walk through a glass-roofed alleyway of dining options. Stop by the Green Grotto Juice Bar and pick up a tasty beverage to go before your afternoon begins!
Upon Noon…
“Barefoot in the Park”
By this point your thinking, “I’ve done enough walking today”. Well venture over to Grand Park, not for the cardio but to take in the bright urban oasis.
Grand Park
Refurbished in 2012, the park has 12 acres of sprawling space to lounge and people watch other than the performances and gatherings it plays host to throughout the year.
If your starving Grand Central Marketis the only ideal destination to appease your midday cravings.
Grand Central Market
A downtown landmark since 1917, the food hall boasts over 30 different vendors ranging in international cuisine.
Once you’ve chosen and chased away those hunger pains,Angels Flight-the worlds shortest railway is mere steps away.
Angels Flight
Thanks to the success of the Hollywood hit film Lalaland in which it was featured and enough community demand, the once stalled hillside attraction was reopened in 2017.
Shopping Essentials
We are sure by now your wondering when you will get to splurge a little. Figat7th is the next destination which offers all of your favorite fashion finds like Zara and Mac(for unique pieces the Art District does not disappoint).
Figat7th
After you’ve picked up the items you’ll quote as “necessary” brace yourself for unparalleled views at our next stop.
New Heights
Que Skyspace, locate din the US Bank building is a high-rise experience to be had for all.
Que Skyspace
Glide your way down on the 45ft glass Skyslide suspended 1000 feet in the air to their observation deck for unobstructed views of the city of stars. A site seeing experience like no other.
Brimming with authentic Spanish style, the area boast 11 historical structures and a range of independent street vendors.
Once you’ve explored enough here make your last afternoon stop Union Station(pun intended).
Union Station
The last of the great American rail stations is just as handsome as the day it opened, with its mission style exterior and grand art deco interior touches.
When Night falls…
“Live a little!”
As the evening sets in there are a few options to keep your DTLA outing going well into the night. Stop by LA Live to catch a game at the Staples Center or experience the only 4D entertainment in LA at Regal Cinemas.
L.A. Live
Seeking a bit more of a stage based experience? Both the Music Center and Disney Concert Hall boost world-renowned performing arts engagements.
Set the stage
At the Music Center much of the shows put on are courtesy of the Centre Theatre Group.
Music Center-Ahmanson Theatre
At the north end, the Ahmanson Theatre presents pre- or post-Broadway fare, while the smaller Mark Taper Forum stages a wide range of new plays. Also part of the Music Center, the grand Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is the home base for LA Opera, as well as occasional concerts and dance events.
The Disney Concert Hall is not only a marvel of modern architecture but home to LA’s award-winning Philharmonic.
Disney Concert Hall
Hosting a plethora of concerts and shows throughout the year, it is an experience not to be missed.
“Paint the town red”
If you want a bit more high-flying views along with your evening feast, 71Above is literal in its name of providing you just that.
71 Above
Set 950 feet from the ground level, 71 Above offers elevated modern American Cuisine with elevated views.
If you didn’t make it to the Arts District for your shopping spree, it is worthy of ending your night there. Providing some of the most unique restaurants and bars in the city of Los Angeles, the Arts District is a culinary and cultural haven.
If you know anything LA’s iconic dining scene, you’ll Bestia falls right to the top of the list. We recommend the the Spaghetti Rustichella—a small pyramid of noodles under Dungeness crab.
Bestia
Italian not quite your flavor? No fret! For savory steak frites try Church & State a marvel of french cuisine. After dinner finish your night Everson Royce Bar-a hidden neighborhood gem.
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.
