Los Angeles Weekend Events: Feb 7th – 9th

Ready to get in the mood for Oscar weekend? Head to the historic Roosevelt hotel to watch the ceremony live or take a tour around Quentin Tarantino’s 1960s vision of Hollywood. Or if the Academy Awards don’t appeal to you, consider taking in a play in Santa Monica or a cutting-edge art show in downtown L.A. Here’s our rundown of what’s happening this weekend in Los Angeles and the Westside.

FRIDAY, february 7th, 2020

Los Angeles Art Show

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

With Los Angeles on the rise as a global player in the art world, the L.A. Art Show promises a senses-bending, multi-cultural experience with more than 120 galleries from around the world. Cutting-edge exhibitions range from painting, sculpture and photography to fashion, design and video, displayed across more than 200,000 square feet of space. All the works presented here by galleries are available to be purchased. For more information on the show, go HERE.

Saturday, february 8th, 2020

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tour

LOCATION: Pacific Cinerama Sunset, 6360 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

With Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood expected to stroll away with at least some Oscar gold at Sunday’s ceremony, now is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. This two-hour walking tour will guide you through the Hollywood of the film’s 1960s setting, highlighting such locations as Musso and Frank and the Vogue Theater. For details, go HERE.

DocuDay LA

LOCATION: Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills

Ahead of Sunday’s 92nd annual Academy Awards, DocuDay LA celebrates the feature and short documentaries nominated for the Oscars. Screenings run all day long, with each followed by a chance for audience members to engage with the filmmakers. For more information, go HERE.

Sunday, february 9th, 2020

Oscar Viewing Party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

LOCATION:  Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles

What better place to watch the Academy Awards than the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the first Oscars took place in 1929? The viewing party, which includes an open bar and four-course menu, is followed immediately by the after-party at Teddy’s featuring DJ Rick Trainor. And be sure to check out Tim Davis with the Jazz Symposium 19-piece Orchestra in the Roosevelt’s lobby. Find the details HERE.

Love in Bloom

LOCATION: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4 St., Santa Monica

Santa Monica Playhouse presents this critically-acclaimed tribute to Shakespeare. With the cast of eight performers tackling more than 30 characters, Love in Bloom promises “fops and fairies, mistaken identity, romance, humor, and mind-boggling feats of verbal and physical legerdemain.” Find all the details HERE.

Weekend Events: January 31st – February 2nd

In the mood for classic rock? A timeless crooner? Or puppies tossing a pigskin around? We have the bowls, the balls and the bashes you can check out, whether you’re in Los Angeles and the Westside or throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Los Angeles and the Westside 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

LOCATION: STAPLES Center

As Los Angeles and the world continues to mourn the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the Lakers are set to take the court at Staples Center to host the Portland Trail Blazers. Expect an all-star tribute celebrating the NBA legend. For more information go HERE.

Slander

LOCATION: Shrine Expo Hall, 665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles

Veteran DJs and dance music producers Derek Andersen and Scott Land a.k.a. Slander bring their unique sound, which inspired its own subgenre called “Heaven Trap,” to the Shrine Expo Hall. For ticket information go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2020

Chinese New Year Festival

LOCATION: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Two days of festivities kick off Saturday and run through Sunday, marking the arrival of the Year of the Rat. Look for lion dancers, martial artists, and mask-changers among the events and activities set to celebrate Chinese music and culture. Most of the family-friendly fun will take place in and around the Huntington’s Chinese Garden. Details are HERE.

The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival: Mike Epps, Sommore, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford, Tommy Davidson

LOCATION: Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles

Comedian Mike Epps brings The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival to LALive, leading an A-list line-up that includes Tommy Davidson and Sommore. Epps can currently be seen on Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name starring opposite Eddie Murphy. The streamer released his last stand-up special, Mike Epps: Only One Mike last year. For tickets, go HERE.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2020

Tony Bennett

LOCATION: Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach

Will 93-year-old Tony Bennett ever retire? Considering the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, who teamed with Lady Gaga in 2014 to produce the album Cheek to Cheek, has sold more than 10 million records over the past decade, why would he? Find tickets HERE.

Puppy Bowl

LOCATION: Common Space Brewery, 3411 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne

Ahead of Sunday’s match-up between the 49ers and the Chiefs, sign up your pup for the first annual Common Space Puppy Bowl. Two seven-dog teams will go head to head for this 30-minute long game. Kick-off is 12:15 p.m. The victorious team claims beer for their owners. To sign up your pup, go HERE.

Conejo Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

You Can’t Take It With You

LOCATION: Conejo Players Theatre, 351 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

This weekend marks the last chance to check out this production of the classic farce about the seemingly oddball Sycamore family and the much saner, and much more miserable, Kirby clan. The play won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. For more information, go HERE.

Saturday, february 1st, 2020

Conejo Valley Cars and Coffee

LOCATION: Old New York Deli & Bakery, 6209 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills

For the past five years, this informal gathering has been bringing together car buffs for hot coffee and hotter wheels. Admission is free. Things get started at 7 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month. It’s a can’t-miss for any classic car lover. Learn more HERE.

Malibu Hindu Temple Tour (Cultural and Foodie Tour)

LOCATION: Malibu Hindu Temple, 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas

Will taking this tour of the magnificent Malibu Hindu Temple bring about inner peace? It’s not out of the question since, in addition to an exploration of the complex’s cultural and historical importance, it includes 10 minutes of meditation. For more information, go HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

First Sunday Electric Bike Ride

LOCATION: Pedego 101 Electric Bikes, 31332 Via Colinas Ste 107, Westlake Village

For Pedego owners or simply the e-bike curious, this monthly group ride takes participants for a scenic spin around Thousand Oaks, Hidden Valley, Agoura Hills, Malibou Lake, Oak Park and Westlake Village. Rental rates are $25 if you don’t have an electric bike of your own. If this is your first time, make sure to be at the shop by 2:30 p.m. For more information go HERE.

127, D&B Thousand Oaks – Big Game Watch Party 2020

LOCATION: Dave & Buster’s, 145 W Hillcrest Dr., 130 Thousand Oaks

If the screen in your home doesn’t feel like it will measure up to the Super Bowl, you might want to consider heading to Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks for Sunday’s game. A $46 VIP ticket puts you in a prime viewing spot, along with all-you-can-eat wings, among other extras. Learn more HERE.

San Fernando Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

The Hollywood Show

LOCATION: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank

Drop in and have your photo taken with your favorite celebrity. Stars attending the first day of this two-day get-together between the famous and their followers include cast members from The Sopranos, Battlestar Galactica, Leave it to Beaver and Back to the Future, as well as X-Men actress Kelly Hu and Hollywood veteran Lorenzo Lamas. Learn more HERE.

Saturday, february 1st, 2020

Wine Blending Class

LOCATION: Urban Press Winery, 316 North San Fernando, Burbank

Stop pouring and start blending. This class offers any wine drinker the chance to become a wine maker. After students learn a little about the grape – including a tasting of individual blends – they will have the chance to put a cork in one to call their own. Learn more HERE.

Rob Scheider

LOCATION: Flappers Comedy Club, Burbank, 102 E Magnolia Blvd, Burbank

Saturday Night Live veteran, Emmy-winning comedy writer and Adam Sandler movie stalwart Rob Schneider (Grown Ups, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan) brings his stand-up act to the stage. The show gets under way at 9:30 p.m. For tickets, go HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

“Drink, Paint, Create”: Wine and Art Night

LOCATION: Jalapeno Pete’s, 11618 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City

The name says it all. Order a drink and pick up a brush. Two hours later, you’ll have a finished painting. They supply the wine, the art supplies and the instructions. Learn more HERE.

Sunday Runs

LOCATION: Wildflower Playfields, 635 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks

Fast or slow, the Thousand Oaks Racers welcome you to lace up. The only criteria? You’d like to have some friends to run with. And if you’ve never run before, or were injured, they will ensure you accelerate at your own safe speed. Expect the event, which kicks off at 7:30 a.m., to draw about two-dozen pairs of feet. Learn more HERE.

Santa Clarita Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

Jefferson Starship

LOCATION: The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita

You may have heard they built this city on rock and roll. Through the 1970s and ‘80s, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jefferson Starship, which began as Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s, enjoyed a string of gold albums, hit songs and global fame. Get tickets HERE.

saturday, february 1st, 2020

The Tree’s Dream

LOCATION: The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita

Presented by The Elephantoms Puppet Theater, The Tree’s Dream is a show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. For more information, go HERE.

Led Zepagain

LOCATION: The Canyon – Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351, Santa Clarita

If you never saw the real thing and Greta Van Fleet doesn’t measure up for you, tribute band Led Zepagain may be your stairway to classic rock heaven. Vocalist Swan Montgomery is Robert Plant, guitarist Anthony David Thymiakos is Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist Jim Wootten is John Paul Jones and drummer Derek Smith is John Bonham. Get tickets HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

Super Bowl Sunday Cook Off

LOCATION: Agua Dulce Winery 9640 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita

Bring your “go-to” appetizer to this annual Tailgating Appetizer Cook-Off. Hot dogs will be served aplenty. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, go HERE.

Trapt

LOCATION: The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita

Hard rockers Trapt, who broke through with their 2003 hit Headstrong, perform live. For tickets and more information, go HERE.

Out and About: Solvang Edition

Longing for a stroll through the old world, but can’t get away to Europe? Then this may be the coastal day trip for you. About 30 miles southeast of Santa Barbara is the historic Danish village of Solvang, located in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and renowned for its classical architecture, wineries, charming boutiques and, naturally, authentic pastries. So. Many. Pastries.

Morning

AEBLESKIVER CAFE

Once you’ve arrived, be sure to start exploring Solvang by indulging in a Danish Aebleskiver. What’s an Aebleskiver? Imagine a European pancake but with a fluffy interior. Oh, and while the translation might indicate apples are involved, usually they are not. Of course, the Aebleskiver Café also offers sausage and other international foods, but you really came for the Aebleskiver.

SOLVANG TROLLY & CARRIAGE COMPANY

Why walk when you can be carried along by a horse-drawn carriage? In 1973, H.H.H. Rasmussen made the Honen (The Hen in Danish), available to Solvang visitors. And ever since the Solvang Trolley, powered by two draft horses, has been offering narrated tours of the area.

OLD MISSION SANTA INES

Solvang isn’t merely rich with history out on the streets. Whether it’s the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art or the Amber Museum and Hall of the Danes, there is plenty to appreciate indoors. Likewise, the area’s vintage churches include the Old Mission Santa Ines and Bethania Lutheran. Old Mission Santa Ines was the 19th of the 21 missions built in California from 1769 to 1836 by Spanish Franciscan priests. Founded on Sept. 17, 1804, it marked the first European settlement in the Santa Ynez Valley.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON MUSEUM

A stroll of the picturesque village will take you past windmills and a clock tower, but also a statue of the Little Mermaid. Her creator’s influence extends to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, run by the non-profit Ugly Duckling Foundation with the aim of spotlighting his work.

Afternoon

BIKE TOURS

If you’re feeling ambitious, there is the 32-mile Sideways Movie Bike Tour, which takes you to locations used in the film. But for the less dauntless, there is the easy five-to-10 minute Scenic Family Bicycle Ride, which includes plenty of sightseeing.

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

For lovers of boutique shopping, Solvang offers the chance to browse more than 150 unique shops for high-end imports, trends and out-of-the-way discoveries. A Piece of the Past boasts 28 different dealers, offering vintage collectibles and antiques.

WINE SAMPLING

What would a day tour be without wine sampling? Given the proximity to the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills, it’s to be expected that you can find more than 20 tasting rooms in downtown Solvang. But did you know several, such as the Lucas & Lewellen Wine Tasting Room, are dog-friendly?

Evening

Once you’re finished exploring for the day, kick back to dine. Local eateries range from the Fresno Valley Café, which offers a dog menu in addition to its fresh California cuisine with excellent craft beer, to The Hummingbird’s Island Caribbean cuisine.

PACIFIC CONSERVATORY THEATRE

If you’re in the mood for live entertainment, always be sure to see what’s happening at the 700-seat Solvang Festival Theater, where plays and concerts are staged.

Out and About: Newport Beach Edition

Looking to get away for one day of your weekend? Can’t afford (time-wise) to fly to Hawaii for just a day? Well, you are in luck. Just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway is the eclectic coastal city of Newport Beach. With an abundance of shopping destinations, dining experiences, day trips, and unique activities, Newport Beach is a memorable shift from the hustle and bustle of our lively LA homes. 

 

Morning

PLUM’S CAFE

Start your morning with a twist on brunch at Plum’s Cafe. Order mimosas or Bloody Mary’s and the coconut french toast for a classic spin on a local favorite. Don’t forget to make a reservation, seating fills up quickly. For a full weekend brunch menu, click here.

SIDECAR DOUGHNUTS

Walk across the street for a sweet bite from the original Sidecar Doughnuts location, for novelty flavors like maple bacon, or meyer lemon and thyme. Flavors are updated each month, for a full list click here.

BALBOA ISLAND

Bordering the Newport Beach Harbor and homes of celebrities on the water, Balboa Island offers a relaxing breezy atmosphere to all its visitors. Walk the circumference of the man made island, which is only accessible by ferry or bridge, to the historical Balboa Island Ferry which has taken passengers from the island to the Balboa Peninsula for over 100 years.

 

Board a Whale Watching Boat Tour, grab a quintessential frozen banana from Dad’s, plan a Duffy rental with family, or bring the kids to visit the Fun Zone.

 

Afternoon

RUBY’S ON THE PIER

 

For a kid-friendly lunch, walk to the end of the Balboa Pier to enjoy Ruby’s on the pier. With surfers and fisherman bordering both sides, your little one will surely be entertained with the beach city excitement.

LIDO MARINA VILLAGE

 

 

For a different ambience, travel up the peninsula to the Lido Marina Village for a roll of sushi from the daily happy hour at Nobu, or visit Malibu Farms for a fresh alternative.

Admire the view of the yachts in the harbor, the photogenic scenery, and the freshly picked flowers by French Buckets

Evening

FASHION ISLAND

 

Spend your afternoon with an elevated shopping experience found at the epitome of Newport Beach elegance, Fashion Island.

Stop at one of the finer dining locations Fashion Island has to offer. Then attend a film in the reclining leather chairs of The LotTo close the evening, walk through the koi pond and sit near the fountains. Enjoy the view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and Newport Beach Harbor.

 

 

 

 

 

LA Eats: Los Angeles Farmers Markets Edition

Fresh fruits, homemade soaps, local sweet honey, eggs straight from the farm to crisp vegetables! Los Angeles has farmers’ markets all over the metropolitan area for your shopping convenience! Check out this list we put together by area for you!

Valley

Calabasas

When: Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm

Where: 23504 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Encino

When: Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm

Where: 17400 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406

Northridge

When: Wednesdays 5 pm to 9 pm

Where: 9301 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324

Sherman Oaks

When: Tuesdays 3pm to 8 pm

Where: 14006 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Burbank

When: Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm

Where: 101 N Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502

Westside

Melrose Place

When: Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm

Where: 8248 Melrose Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90046

 

Beverly Hills 

When: Sundays from 9 am to 1pm

Where: 9300 Civil Center Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Century City

When: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm

Where: 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067

 

Hollywood

When: Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm

Where: 1600 Ivar Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Santa Monica

When: Sundays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Where: 2640 Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90405

Marina Del Rey

When: Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm

Where: Vía Marina &, Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Los Angeles 

Historic Downtown

When: Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm

Where: 209 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

 

Pershing Square

When: Wednesdays 10 am to 2 pm

Where: 532 S. Olive St

 

Crenshaw

When: Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm

Where: 350 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

Central Avenue

When: Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm

Where: 4301 S Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90011

 

Echo Park

When: Fridays from 3 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: 1146 Logan St. Los Angeles, CA 90026

 

 

LA Eats: Best Coffee Bars in Los Angeles

With the days getting colder you’re probably in the mood to curl up with a good book, and a cup of the best coffee in town in hand. Whether you’re located in downtown Los Angeles, out west in Santa Monica, or in the suburbs of Studio City. We’ve got all the right places for you to sit down and enjoy your cup of joe to warm up on these chilly winter days!

The Daily Dose
Location: 1820 Industrial St., Los Angeles, CA 90021

This little coffee shop, hidden down a brick-lined alley of Industrial Street, serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages, as well as a seasonal food menu with whimsically-named dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to try “The Farmer” one of L.A.’s best sandwiches, described “vegetarian behemoth that weighs a full pound and packs a rainbow’s worth of ingredients between slices of Kalamata olive bread from nearby Bread Lounge”.

Zinc Cafe & Market
Location: 580 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here you’ll find favorites like avocado breakfast toast (smashed avocado, butter, radish salad, chives, lemon zest, various egg dishes, and omelets.  Locals will stop by throughout the day, whether it’s an alfresco lunch of wood-fired pizza beneath olive trees or an after-work cocktail at Bar Mateo.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Location: 806 South Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Located just steps from Bestia and Bread Lounge, Stumptown features a retail bar, roastery, training lab, and warehouse. Espresso shots are pulled from in the front bar from a custom La Marzocco Strada MP. Stumptown has been ahead of the game with the latest coffee trend, nitro cold-brew coffee, which is served on tap or available in cans. What’s more? The free coffee tastings at noon on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Groundwork Coffee Arts District
Location: 811 Traction Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Groundwork Coffee is the latest outpost of L.A.’s homegrown coffee and tea destination, originally founded at Venice Beach in 1990. In addition to its signature organic coffees, Groundwork offers an expanded food menu featuring house-made baked goods, salads, sandwiches and more.

La Colombe
Location: Multiple

The Silver Lake location has a bold, Instagram-friendly mural on the side of the building and many LA-only offerings. In addition to the regular coffeehouse offerings, mango rooibos chili iced tisane and hemp “mylk” for vegan drinks.

Bluestone Lane
Location: 12186 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

Bluestone Lane originated in New York City, where it’s been on the scene since 2013, with other locations around Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. The cute little location just started brewing in Studio City with a flagship expected in West Hollywood soon. With their sights set on taking over Los Angeles, the brand hopes to have six locations soon!

Dinosaur Coffee
Location: 4334 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Laptop lingerers and chatty post-yoga meetups, if these sound enticing then head over to dinosaur coffee, of the best coffee spots in Silver Lake. The sleek space is heightened by a wood sculpture hanging from the ceiling that resembles a skeleton, and you may or may not see origami dinosaurs around the shop.

Bar Nine
Location: 3515 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

This space in the Hayden Tract area of Culver City is hidden, minimalist by design with low-slung counters and Modbar espresso systems. The daily coffee (out of three roasted every season) and the latte with house-made hazelnut milk is a must-try! Grab delicious cookies and/or pastries while you’re here!

Civil Coffee
Location: 5629 N. Figueroa St.  Los Angeles, CA 90042

At their stylish Highland Park coffee shop with high ceilings, beautiful Mexican tiled floors, and a walnut-topped bar they feature single-origin beans from Coava, Heart, and others. Try the “The Figueroa” made with espresso, condensed milk and cinnamon the menu also features everything from toasts with myriad toppings, salads, sandwiches, and sweets.

Blue Bottle
Location: Multiple

In 2014, the Oakland-based shop set its sights on Los Angeles and it’s now grown to 12 hyper-chic locations across town, including Venice, Beverly Grove, Culver City, Echo Park, Los Feliz and beyond. All serve blue bottle coffee and espresso drinks made with a rotating selection of blends and single-origin beans. Try the sweet, unique New Orleans-inspired cold brew with chicory, milk, and sugar!

LA Eats: Best Asian Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for something seriously flavorful, you can’t go wrong with Asian food! Whether it’s Chinese sweet and sour orange chicken, Indian spicy creamy chicken tikka masala or Japanese salty-sweet teriyaki chicken; we’ve got every corner of Asia covered in our list of top 10 Asian restaurants in Los Angeles!

Tasty Noodle House
Location: 8054 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048

The San Gabriel Valley’s Tasty Noodle House has been making a big push westward from West Third on to Lomita. There may be no better place on the westside for the restaurant’s signature made-to-order Shanghai pork bao!

Yang Chow Restaurant
Location: 819 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown classic Yang Chow is a hit with the tourists and anyone needing a nostalgia kick! This place does classic Chinese- American dishes with swift, friendly service—including the iconic and addictive slippery shrimp

Bombay Palace
Location: 8690 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211

With dishes like tandoori prawns, deeply flavored curries (including the fiery chicken vindaloo and a wonderful plate of bhindi dopiaza)  and fresh okra with onions and tomatoes pack some serious star power. Another star attraction at Bombay Palace is the clay tandoor oven that chef Harman Singh has been using to expertly prepare meats and seafood since day 1!

Avara Thai Cuisine
Location: 6245 W 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045

The extensive menu is plenty solid, and its faithful Westchester clientele appreciates an experienced kitchen that’s quick to accommodate various dietary requests. Who can’t love the Thai Iced Tea? We love this drink from the bottom of our hearts, and at only $2 you’ll be asking for seconds and thirds!

Soban Restaurant
Location: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Soban has an amazing array of banchan to start the meal. The menu features raw crab in one of two forms: a garlicky soy sauce or thick spicy red pepper sauce. This restaurant excels in all things seafood! Ask for the special squid tossed with julienne vegetables if they’re available.

Jun Won Restaurant
Location: 414 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90020

The classic restaurant serving a wide range of Korean food is in a bright new location along Western Avenue. The menu is essentially the same, with possibly the best bossam and spicy braised black cod in town to go along with stellar banchan.

All India Cafe
Location: 316 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203

After a decade of serving Pasadena residents, All India Café relocated to Brand Boulevard in 2018 and is still serving its tried and true menu of masala dosas, samosas, chapati and tandoori dishes.

Lal Mirch
Location: 11138 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604

This restaurant’s friendly owners and attentive staff bring out flavorful plates of Southern Indian food including naan, korma, biryani, sag paneer, and masala! If the timing is right, freshly made chai tea might be on the menu! If you can’t find at the Studio City restaurant you’re not out of luck because Lal Mirch is also located in Agoura Hills.

Chateau Hanare
Location: 8097 Selma Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Traditional Japanese modern, sustainable California flavor at this intimate bungalow on the edge of Chateau Marmont. Restaurateur Reika Alexander shaped her Sunset Strip restaurant into a whimsical, low-lit hideaway. Here you can choose a la carte items such as delicate sashimi, A5 wagyu, and Japanese fried chicken; build your own bento box with items like truffled tofu and miso black cod.

Inn Ann
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Take the elevator all the way up to the top floor of the Hollywood & Highland shopping center just off the Walk of Fame and, wedged into a front corner, you’ll find Inn Ann. The restaurant perches over Hollywood’s sprawl, with long, spanning windows that peer out onto the twinkling lights of Los Angeles.

Weekend Events: November 15 – November 17

From tubing on snow in Elysian Park to Ice Skating in Perishing Square to a Wine Walk in Burbank, we have got you covered as far as cold-weather welcoming events go in the city! Take a peek at these events, grab a friend, get outside, and celebrate the coming holiday season!

Friday November 15th, 2019
Snow Day LA Tubing in Los Angeles

 Snow in L.A.? Yes, thanks to Snow Day L.A., a tubing park located in Elysian Park. The wintry pop-up packs acres of festive features, with synthetic snow and snow tubing, and trees decorated with icicles, snowcaps and lights. Just remember: This is still Los Angeles, so expect something that sort of resembles a snowy winter and not quite a full-blown Alpine experience. (Sourced from Timeout.com, Photograph Courtesy: Snow Day LA)

Time: 6PM – 10PM

Location: Elysian Park, 835 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA

Tickets: HERE

29 Rooms – Expand Your Reality Tour

The Expand Your Reality Tour is the latest 29Rooms experience from Refinery29 – a space where you’re encouraged to step into the art, wear the art, touch the art, and connect with others (and yourself) in the process. Created in collaboration with innovative talent, visionary artists, and your favorite brands, 29Rooms pairs the joy and play of exploration with the pulse of current events and culture.

Time: 1030AM, 130PM, 530PM, 830PM

Location: 4315 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Tickets: HERE

2019 Bai Holiday Ice Rink in Perishing Square

The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square offers the quintessential winter activity in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Angeles. Surrounded by art, lively activity, and the impressive city skyline, our outdoor ice rink lets you enjoy entertainment and ice skating under the sun and stars.

Time: 1130AM to 930PM

Location: Perishing Square – 532 S Olive Street

Tickets: HERE

Saturday November 16th 2019
Burbank Winter Wine Walk

The Social Event Of The Year is coming back to Downtown Burbank. At 4pm The Wine Walk will get started! You MUST be 21+ to join the wine walk. Your ticket will get you samples from Wineries and Breweries in your favorite Downtown businesses. Each guest will receive a tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites in Downtown Burbank. Each tasting site will have a designated area set up for Wine Walk guests to sample the amazing wines or beers! Wine tasting will end at 7:00 pm. As you stroll through Downtown, you will be surrounded by a winter holiday ambiance of live entertainment, beautiful holiday lighting and snowfall from 6:45 pm-8 pm at the Main Stage!

Time: 4PM – 7PM

Location: Downtown Burbank (check-in address given when purchasing ticket)

Tickets: HERE

Explore the Culinary Jewels of Downtown Los Angeles on a Walking Tour

Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of Los Angeles on this fun food tour. Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you on a leisurely three-hour walking adventure through this extraordinary downtown area, sharing stories of the city’s early settlers, Hollywood’s heyday, architectural background and the transformation of L.A.’s culture and food scene. Along the way you’ll get to enjoy tastes from unique eateries, including the best bakeries, authentic ethnic restaurants and renowned establishments currently creating a buzz in the foodie universe — six stops in all. By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your vast knowledge of the city and its hidden culinary gems.

Time: 11AM

Location: Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles – 5454 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tickets: HERE

Los Angeles Opera – The Magic Flute Opening Night

One of Mozart’s most enchanting operas, this supernatural tale, accompanied by his fine score has enjoyed much success since its premiere in Vienna in 1791. A popular draw since the 2013/14 season, this production, directed by Barrie Kosky in collaboration with British theatre company ‘1927’, is back for 2019 to inspire and delight audiences of all ages with its heady mix of hand-drawn animation and live performance. Get tickets now to immerse yourself in the art that is the opera.

Time: 730PM

Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 

Tickets: HERE

Sunday November 17th, 2019
Water Lantern Festival

Los Angeles Water Lantern Festival is coming up on November 17, 2019! Voted #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY! Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern event that is all about connections. Magical nights in cities across the U.S. include food, games, activities, vendors, music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope and dreams reflected upon the water. As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water as we Light The Water together. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget. Tickets are selling fast.

Time: 4PM – 9PM

Location: Whittier Narrows – 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733

Tickets: HERE

Autumn Festival

Delve into the arts, cuisines, cultures, and marine environments of Asia during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s eighteenth annual Autumn Festival. Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the rich diversity of Asian and Asian-American cultures.

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Aquarium of The Pacific – 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Tickets: HERE

“ASSSSCAT” Comedy Improv Performance

Every Saturday and Sunday, the UCB franchise’s longest-running, most beloved showcase “ASSSCAT” starts when a base cast of the theater’s current top-brass—including founding UCB members Matt Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts—takes the stage. Then they introduce the surprise celebrity alumnae and friends who will be joining them (think Horatio Sanz, Ben Schwartz, Adam Pally). And finally, another special guest takes the stage, a non-improviser (think Flea, Cat Power, Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham) who opens the show with a personal story, that’s deftly mined for laughs by the players. But you have to go to find out who’s there—that’s part of the fun. Looking for a cheap night out? Sunday shows are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early. (Sourced from Timeout.com, Photograph Courtesy UCB)

Time: 7:00PM

Location: UCB Theater Sunset – 5419 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90027

Tickets: FREE! First come first served.

 

Home Tips: 10 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids Seated at The Thanksgiving Table

When you stop and think about it, Thanksgiving is a time for holiday inspiration. It is the holiday that kicks off the rest of the holiday season. As with any day of the year, kids find inspiration in all sorts of arts and crafts. Keep your younger guests happily occupied ahead of the family feast with these challenging, fun, and entertaining arts and crafts.

 

1. Cornhusk Dolls

As harvest-time icons go, we much prefer the simple beauty of corn-husk dolls. They’re understated, easy to make (even for children), and truly ingenious – requiring not much more than some husks, twine, glue, and felt.

2. Leaf Leis

Give “aloha!” an autumnal twist: embellish string necklaces with paper leaves (cut out a big pile with a craft punch) and colorful organic pasta. Cut leaves out of butcher paper with punches. Show kids how to sandwich twine between two leaves with glue, thread twine through pasta, and secure it with knots to create necklaces.

3. Mini Mayflower

Tip your hat to the Pilgrims with a ship constructed using a simple origami boat fold and stocked with tools for decorating the butcher paper “tablecloth” that you set on the kid’s table.

4. Pop-Cornucopias

Kids’ hands and mouths will be occupied until the turkey’s sliced by creating these amazing snack-filled cones from two different colors of butcher paper. Cut two sheets of butcher paper in different colors into fan shapes, one larger than the other. Trim edges with pinking shears. Roll each fan shape into a cone, sealing with a glue stick. Nest long cone inside short cone, bending horn up at the tip. Fill with popcorn and let the kid crafters munch to their heart’s content.

 

5. Coloring Place Mats

The clock is always ticking when kids are expected to sit down for a holiday meal. Eke out a little peace with these clip-art placemats! Trim craft paper to 11 by 17 inches and run the sheets through your printer like regular paper. Set the placemats out on the table with some cups of crayons and encourage the kids to have at it.

6. Acorn Dolls

A little craft project can keep the kids who opt out of helping cook the holiday meal entertained.  This acorn family is fun to decorate and customize – also, just as fun to play with. To make, collect a bunch of acorns in a variety of sizes. You can turn mini acorns into babies and bigger ones into adults. Pop off each cupule “hat” and hot-glue it to a wooden ball. Then, hot-glue the ball to the nut. Have the children use colored pencils or markers to draw on facial features and hair.

7. Kiddie Cups

This year decorate the kids’ table with pilgrim-hat serving cups and Mayflower-sail straws. Start with nine-ounce paper cups in black and gold. For the sails, cut them out and punch holes as indicated. Write a name on each and slide it onto a straw. For the hat, use a craft knife to cut away the bottom of a black cup. To add detail, cut a brim, trace it onto black paper, and cut it out. With glue, attach it to the cup rim. Voila!

8. Paper Turkey Hats

This festive hat features a turkey plume fit for the holiday spirit. Print out a handful of template copies and they’ll be ready to “gobble-gobble” around the house!

9. Colorful Paper Turkey Place Cards

Your kids can help you set the Thanksgiving table with these simple and adorable colorful turkey-shaped place cards. Attached an accordion-folded piece of colored construction paper to a cut-out turkey template. Add your guests’ names on the body of the turkey and arrange them on your table.

 

10. Pilgrim Hats

Easily crafted with a few folds, these paper hats and bonnets get kids into character as Pilgrims. To make the hat, download our template from the internet for the hat front and buckle, and trace them onto drawing paper. Cut out the silhouette of the hat, then fold up the brim. Cut out the headband; rest it inside the fold of the brim, and secure with a dot of glue. Note that cutting the gold buckle can be tricky; it’s best done by an elder of the settlement (aka an adult). Glue buckle onto hat, above brim. Wrap headband around head, and secure with a dot of glue (or tape).

Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

For the past three years, Elon Musk’s vision for a fully-integrated solar panel roof has been delayed repeatedly. Tesla encountered some production issues at the beginning. Then, of course, aesthetic issues came into the play. Now, Tesla is unveiling a third iteration of its solar roof tiles, and this time the company believes it has a winner.

The new Tesla Solar Roof features dark tempered glass shingles. These innovative shingles are bigger, cheaper to produce & install, have fewer parts, and can capture more energy than previous versions. “We changed some of the materials in use, changed some of the methods, and the technology we are using to something that is more scalable” Musk explained on a recent conference call, as reported by PV Magazine.

The aesthetics remain more or less similar to that of their competitors—steely gray rectangles that sit flush with the roof. The upside, Musk claims, is that the install time has been vastly reduced by the tiles’ increased simplicity. The goal is to complete a roof install in just eight hours. The tiles will come with a 25-year warranty.

For now, Tesla is exclusively offering the dark gray version of the solar roof. However, Musk announced the company is aiming to roll out new and improved versions of the other roof styles they have teased. This includes a Mediterranean Clay roof in six to nine months! The website estimates that a 10kW solar roof for a 2,000-square-foot house will cost $33,950 when factoring in federal tax credits.

“We can make roofs come alive” Musk stated on the call, as reported by PV Magazine. “There are all these roofs out there just gathering sunlight, but not doing anything with it. In the future it will be odd for roofs to be dormant, or dead, or not gathering energy.”

The company expects to start rolling these new roofs out in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!