dinela Archives - Circa LA

Food, Festivals & Fun Frolics: What to Do in LA Now

Los Angeles is full of surprises – and this month is no exception! It’s time to branch out and discover some new neighborhoods, venues and experiences. Fun and frolics abound if you just know where to look. From delicious dining to immersive entertainment, craft workshops, art & cinema, and even a luscious rosé wine festival, here’s your curated guide to what’s happening in LA now. Circa residents, please check websites for reservations and hours.

Redbird LA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Dine LA Restaurant Week Various Locations

April 1 -15 Dine LA Restaurant Week showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Enjoy special lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of local restaurants. During the Spring 2022 event, in addition to dine-in, there are also menu options for take-out. No tickets or passes required for Dine LA Restaurant Week. Simply dine out at a participating restaurant, ask for the Dine LA Restaurant Week menu, and try a new dish or enjoy an old favorite. Advance reservations and ordering are strongly recommended. Pictured: Redbird

Brewery Artwalk near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Brewery Artwalk 2100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

April 9 & 10 The Brewery Artwalk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists, and purchase artwork directly from the artists’ studios. Admission and parking are free.

Daft Punk Dome Experience Wisdome 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

April 8 & 9 Daft Punk Pyramid Dome Experience takes you to a multi-sensory dance party meets immersive space opera inspired by the legendary duo. Under a 12,000 sq. ft. domed screen, take in the state of the art LED Pyramid stage, stunning 360 projection mapping, and transportive musical production featuring live sets from ONE MORE TIME. Wisdome is LA’s first and largest immersive art and music dome park with five domes, including three with 360-degree projection mapping technology.

Rose Wine Festival near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rosé Wine Festival Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA. 91103

April 9 Embrace the much-loved European culture of rosé. The greatest rosé wine event in Los Angeles arrives at the Rose Bowl this April. Uncork and unwind with over +30 samples of delicious rosé wines. gourmet food, and live music. Purchase includes a branded wine glass and pours of your favorite rosé. Food is available for purchase.

Rooftop Cinema Club near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club 888 South Olive St. 4th floor at Level Los Angeles, CA 90014

Come early to take in the views and play table games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink and snack on classic cinema concessions, available with contactless order and pickup. When the movie starts, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an amazing view of the big screen. Concession stands offer popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, movie snacks and soft drinks. Bar partner Hi-Lo brings the best of the local LA craft beer scene, along with regional wines, and fresh spritz and mocktail concoctions.

Bridgerton Experience near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bridgerton Experience Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Amidst such sophistication, who shall rise as the diamond of the season? Find out at The Queen’s Ball, an immersive Bridgerton experience transporting you to the Regency era. Prepare to mingle with other members of the Ton, and partake in an evening of music and dance featuring acrobatic performances, interactive experiences, a stunning dance show, delicious cocktails, and much more, all accompanied by the iconic Bridgerton soundtrack. Get tickets HERE

Legally Blond The Musical near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Legally Blond: The Musical The Hollywood Majestic 671 N Berendo St. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Get ready to Bend and Snap to Cupcake Theater company’s Legally Blonde, the hit Broadway musical. This star-studded spectacle features a huge cast of Los Angeles theater veterans performing the story of a sorority girl at Harvard Law. But wait, there’s more! American Idol’s fan favorite, Margie Mays, will be starring as Elle Woods. After her phenomenal two-season run on the show, it will be Margie’s first time performing such an iconic role.

Two Bit Circus near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Two Bit Circus 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Billing itself as he world’s first Micro-Amusement Park™, Two Bit Circus is an experiential entertainment playspace where fun-seekers of all ages can gather and play. The park promises an ever-changing landscape of immersive entertainment; including multi-person virtual reality, narrative-based escape/story rooms, indie arcades, and liberal use of lasers and robots. As a social playspace, the venues are also a launchpad for new technologies and aim to bring ideas from designers, inventors, makers, engineers, storytellers and more from concept to reality.

Smorgasburg near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Smorgasburg ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Smorgasburg LA is the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, open each Sunday from 10AM – 4PM. Discover dozens of exciting food vendors, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. A parking garage for more than 4,000 cars is available at ROW DTLA with one hour free parking. Sorry, no pets allowed.

The Pickwick Vintage Show near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Pickwick Vintage Show ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Pickwick Vintage Show is back at ROW DTLA. Presenting the best In vintage from all eras, they will be featuring a great assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and inspiration from over 45 local vendors, They open at 10AM for early buyers, 12 noon for general admission, and will be open through 4PM. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. See show dates HERE

Makers Mess near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Makers Mess Workshops ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Grab a friend and come get crafty. Makers Mess is a creative art studio that offers art and design classes for kids and adults. They support artists by cultivating opportunities for them to share their knowledge with individuals, groups and companies. They not only deliver workshops, but also host events, parties, and anything that needs some added creativity. Workshops include dried floral wreath kits, wood burning kits, candle kits, and so much more.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Dine LA/LA Parent

Photo #2: Redbird LA

Photo #3: Brewery Artwalk

Photo #4: Wisdome LA

Photo #5: Rose Wine Festival

Photo #6: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #7: Bridgerton Experience

Photo #8: Legally Blond: The Musical

Photo #9: Two Bit Circus

Photo #10: Smorgasburg LA

Photo #11: The Pickwick Vintage Show

Photo #12: Makers Mess

dineL.A. is Back – Delicious DTLA Eateries to Try Now

dineL.A. Restaurant Week is back. From now until September 18, DTLA eateries are offering scrumptious specials for patio dining, takeout and delivery. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or prefer your meal vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, you’ll find flavorful choices to please every palate. Supporting our local restaurants is a fantastic way to keep Downtown LA vibrant and thriving! And dineL.A. provides a convenient way to expand your restaurant repertoire or rediscover your favorites. Here are some of our picks. Complete dineL.A. Restaurant Week list THIS WAY

10e 811 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

10e is offering reservations for al fresco dining and curbside pickup. 10e brings cutting edge culinary creativity and a refreshingly hip attitude to the historic and architecturally stunning Fine Arts Building. The diverse menu mixes authentic Armenian cuisine with modern Mediterranean influences and exotic flavors. Choices include a wide variety of halal grilled kebabs, vegetarian dishes, gluten free plates, seafood, and chef’s specials. They also offer handcrafted cocktails and Lebanese wine and beer to pair with the inspired Armenian dishes.

Colori Kitchen 429 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Colori Kitchen is a small neighborhood restaurant located in a petite storefront on 8th Street in the Downtown Historic District, offering country-style dining reminiscent of an authentic Italian trattoria. Chef Luigi Barducci Contessi, along with his wife Paola, serve top quality homemade Italian food at affordable prices, adding to your dining experience the warmth, and of course a bit of the drama, that only a real Italian family can offer. Available for takeout and delivery.

Bacari West Adams 2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Situated in LA’s West Adams neighborhood, Bacari offers Mediterranean and Italian-inspired small plates. Menu items include a delectable array of interesting salads, pastas, seafood, vegetable dishes, pizzas, and sweets. Craft cocktails, wine and beer complement your meal. Bacari is offering patio dining, takeout and delivery.

Zinqué DTLA 939 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Zinqué is a high design, low-key neighborhood restaurant with French-inspired dishes, small plates and a uniquely curated wine and beer selection. Small bites include Castelvetrano Olives, Marcona Almonds, Fries mayo sriracha, and Pâté de Campagne. You can also order full plates such as quiche, lasagna, burgers, steak frites, smoked salmon, and more. Zinqué is open for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.

Pikunico Fried Chicken 767 S Alameda St. Suite 122, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Pikunico serves free range, gluten free Japanese fried chicken and more, with locally-sourced ingredients. Choose from crunchy fried chicken pieces, sandwiches, or bowls, along with healthy sides such as roasted beet salad, seaweed & cucumber salad, and Pikunico slaw. Pikunico was founded by Japanese-born Chef Kuniki Yagi, who started her LA career working with Chef David Myers of Sona, one of the few Los Angeles restaurants to ever receive a Michelin star.

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Revel on the outdoor rooftop veranda at The Wayfarer Hotel in the heart of DTLA. Enjoy killer cocktails with views to match. Cool off by the water while the mixologist gets creative with the next round. Menu items range from savory starters to full on dinner dishes such as marinated baby lamb chops and bacon-wrapped sea scallops. Finish your meal with sweet indulgences such warm chocolate chip cookies or beignets.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse 800 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Just minutes away from Circa, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse pays homage to gaucho traditions and their Southern Brazilian roots. The dineL.A. menu features two dinners for $65 to-go. Choose two fire-roasted meats, two fresh salads, three traditional Brazilian sides, and one dessert per person, served with Pão de Queijo and Chimichurri sauce.

HATCH Yakitori + Bar THE BLOC 700 W 7th St Suite G600 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Join HATCH Yakitori + Bar for outdoor dining in THE BLOC open-air plaza right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. HATCH is a modern Japanese grill that celebrates yakitori, a fresh raw bar and creative plates. Traditional Japanese cooking is fused with bold Californian flavors to deliver new takes on classic dishes. The skewers are grilled over binchotan charcoal and they only use premium locally-source ingredients, such as organic Jidori chicken. They also offer a specialty cocktail program highlighting their Japanese roots, a curated sake list, and rare Japanese whiskies.

THE DECK 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰t Sheraton Grand 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

District is offering farm-to-table fare and inspired cocktails at their all new rooftop lounge, THE DECK by District. District strives to make use of the extraordinary foods grown sustainably by our local farmers, and also seeks out unparalleled ideas from food purveyors around the world. For District, farm to table means products that are created on a small scale by farmer-artisans who are strangers to compromise, and have, through passion and invention, further dimensionalized the culinary arts.

Drago Centro 525 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Drago Centro is one of Downtown LA’s premier dining destination for fans of authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine. With an innovative edge and impeccable service, Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s menu is delectably approachable and features a signature selection of house-made pastas, savory steaks and elegant desserts. Complemented by Managing Partner Piero Selvaggio’s extraordinary personalized service and unprecedented wine knowledge, this exclusive team brings satisfaction and luxury to any palate. Enjoy the magic of Drago Centro’s new outdoor dining patio. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Engine Co. No. 28 644 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Engine No 28 is offering 50% off wine with dineL.A. orders. Housed in a beautifully restored 1912 firehouse, Engine Co. No. 28, has been putting out appetite fires since 1989 with classic American dishes inspired by the regional cooking of firehouses across the country. The menu features a signature Meatloaf, New York Steak, Southern-style pan-fried chicken, crab cakes, Cobb salad, and Firehouse chili. Call for dineL.A. reservations at 213-624-6996. Outdoor patio dining, takeout and delivery are available.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: The Rooftop at The Wayfayer

Photo #2: 10e

Photo #3: Bacari West Adams

Photo #4: Zinqué DTLA

Photo #5: The Rooftop at The Wayfayer

Photo #6: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

Photo #7: HATCH Yakitori + Bar

Photo #8: THE DECK 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰t

Photo #9: Drago Centro

Photo #10: Engine Co. No. 28

Where to Eat in LA Now!

This January, Los Angeles is an epicurean paradise, with tempting food festivals, enticing expos, and scrumptious special events to satisfy every craving! Check out restaurants you’ve been dying to try – at an affordable price – during dineLA Restaurant Week. Feeling adventurous? Discover our city’s hidden gems on a secret food tour! Satisfy your sweet tooth at a donut fest, or shop for fresh produce at the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles. Getting hungry? Let your appetite be your guide and discover where to eat in LA now!

dineL.A. Restaurant Week Various locations

Jan 17-31 dineL.A. Restaurant Week is a 15-day dining event that takes place twice a year and showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Enjoy special lunch and dinner menus at more than 400 restaurants. There are no tickets or passes required for dineL.A. Restaurant Week. Simply dine out at a participating restaurant, ask for the dineL.A. Restaurant Week menu, and try a new dish or enjoy an old favorite. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Japanese Food Expo Loews Hollywood Hotel 1755 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Jan 25 The Japanese Food Culture Association welcomes you to this year’s Japanese Food Expo, where authentic food, Japanese culture and fun all come together! This year brings back the fan favorite Sake Alley, as well as a showcase of Japan’s premium foods you can only experience at the Japanese Food Expo! You’ll meet a number of representatives from various prefectures so you can see and taste their exquisite food creations currently sold only in Japan! For those of you who prefer Japanese street-style food, you’ll find plenty to taste, such as ramen, curry, sushi and more. Japan House seeks to foster awareness and appreciation for Japan by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more.

Donut Fest LA Indie Brewing Company 2350 Sunrise St. Los Angeles, CA 90023

Jan 26 Love Donuts? Who doesn’t? Enjoy beer? Us too – so get ye to LA’s sweetest bash at Indie Brewing Co. Donut Bash curates donuts and guests can enjoy a Sunday Funday while sampling donuts, enjoying beer, coffee and more with a fun-filled tasty event! While you’re munching away, can help Donut Fest name LA’s Favorite Donut!

LA Magazine Top 10 Best New Restaurants Rolling Greens Nursery 1005 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Jan 28 Los Angeles magazine salutes the city’s most appetizing openings of the past year with the annual Best New Restaurants Celebration. Enjoy tastes from the Top 10 Best New Restaurant honorees past and present, meet the chefs, enjoy experiences from INFINITI, sip brews from Stella Artois, and creative cocktails from Maker’s Mark, listen to live tunes, and more.

Taco Tour by LA Cycle Tours

Nothing says Los Angeles more than its taco stands and taco trucks! To an average Angelino, a taco stand is not an unusual sight – there are tons of taco stands and trucks through out the city, many that get overlooked and most people never knew existed. LA Cycle Tours will guide you on a taco tour that will take your body and taste buds on an unforgettable ride to some of LA’s hidden gems. You will ride through different neighborhoods, historic sites, and stop at various taco stands and trucks so you can experience one of LA’s most popular on the go foods.

Dumpling Pop Up Museum ROW DTLA 757 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

LA’s first dumpling pop-up art exhibit! Thirst Project is teaming up with ZJZM, a creative art label, to bring you Dumplings & Associates, a one of a kind pop-up art museum in DTLA. Explore interactive art installations based on dumplings and their associates, including a giant garlic swing, an anti-gravity kitchen, dumpling jacuzzi and a simulated meat grinder. You may not actually be able to eat the dumplings, but each pair of tickets to Dumplings & Associates provides three people one year of clean drinking water!

Smorgasburg LA ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Smorgasburg reopens for 2020 with a fresh batch of vendors! Launched in June of 2016, Smorgasburg LA has become the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features over 90 food vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer and micheladas, live DJs, cultural events, pop-ups, and sophisticated shopping including design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Every Sunday 10am – 4pm. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Market Market at ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

MARKET MARKET at ROW DTLA kicks off! This curated market of makers and merchants was created exclusively for ROW DTLA and will highlight the very best in food, beverage, pantry, handcrafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, apothecary, well-edited vintage and more. Grab your market basket and come on down every other Saturday through March 21st to celebrate community, modern craft and local trade.

Secret Food Tours Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known as the “Creative Capital of the World,” so it’s no surprise that the city has long been at the forefront of food invention and adaptation, with many dishes that have become staples across the country. As we explore the downtown area, you’ll be able to feel each individual influence from around the world, from Mexico, to the Far East, discovering the diverse cuisine that has evolved over generations to create some of the finest dishes in the city. Secret Food Tours was founded by Angeleno foodies who have made it their goal to showcase Los Angeles’ incredibly delicious and unique food scene.

Eat Eclectic! LA’s New Eateries, Pop Ups & Foodie Faves

There’s always something new to discover in the burgeoning Los Angeles food scene! Beyond the passing parade of restaurant openings, foodies can feast on an eclectic menu of tempting tasting festivals, piquant pop-ups, daring themed experiences, all-you-can-eat extravaganzas, and more! So whet your appetite and get ready to savor LA’s exciting new eateries, pop ups and foodie faves.

Glow in the Dark Ramen Experience Yamashiro 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

July 3-21 After serving 1000+ bowls of lumen ramen at its debut in Atlanta, Nakamura.ke is bringing their eye-popping Glow in the Dark Ramen Experience to LA! The world’s first glow-in-the-dark ramen shop, Nakamura-ke Mobile Kitchen is a mobile dining experience showcasing high-end glow-in-the-dark food and cocktails created by award-winning chefs and designers. Unlike a typical bar or club, the Nakamura-ke {House of Nakamura} is a totally immersive dining experience including theatrics, storytelling, art, and folklore.

The Manufactory ROW DTLA 757 S Alameda St Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Manufactory is a collaboration between acclaimed chefs Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson of San Francisco’s iconic Tartine Bakery, and Chris Bianco of Phoenix’s legendary Pizzeria Bianco. The project includes Tartine Bianco – an all-day cafe; a bakery; The Market, where you can find specialty food items like Neal’s Yard Dairy cheeses, Bianco di’Napoli canned tomatoes, dried pastas and other housewares; Ice Cream + Coffee Window, a walk up for coffee, pastries and ice cream; Alameda Supper Club, a dinner-only restaurant; and The Alameda Cocktail Club. The three chefs, all James Beard Foundation Award-winners and noted experts in their respective disciplines, are collaborating on all aspects of the project and together creating something truly unique and original for you to savor and enjoy!

Pain Pizza Pop Up Birds and Bees 207 S Broadway, B Los Angeles, CA 90012

June 28 Pain Pizza is popping up at our favorite speakeasy, Birds and Bees, in the heart of Chinatown! The brainchlld of food writer Karen Palmer, the idea is simple: to take the French bread pizza we loved as kids and make it better using good ingredients, such as baguettes from local bakery Bub & Grandma’s, and sauce made from California-grown Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes. The bar’s cocktail wizards have created a special Lambrusco cocktail garnished with pepperoni, oregano and lime to accompany the French bread pizzas. Check the Pain Pizza website for future pop up dates and locations.

Shaquille’s 800 W Olympic Blvd Suite A150, Los Angeles, CA 90015

The legendary former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal recently opened his namesake restaurant Shaquille’s at LA Live. Shaquille’s is an upscale casual restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine and service with personality. The menu focuses on farm fresh produce and features his signature fried chicken. Shaquille’s curated beverage program includes a wine vault, local draft beers, and hand-crafted cocktails with an emphasis on bourbons and whiskeys. Situated in the heart of L.A. LIVE, the space features an enclosed private patio surrounding the main entrance with a modern, upbeat vibe that transforms guests’ experiences from day to night. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner with extended lounge hours.

DineLA. Restaurant Week Various locations

July 12-26 Eat your way across LA! dineL.A. Restaurant Week is a 15 day dining event that takes place twice a year. The largest restaurant week in the country, dineLA showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination, while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Enjoy special lunch and dinner menus at more than 400 restaurants, including recent arrivals like Tartine Bianco, Alameda Supper Club, and Atrium. There are no tickets or passes required. Simply dine out at a participating restaurant, ask for the dineL.A. Restaurant Week menu, and try a new dish or enjoy an old favorite. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Nightshade 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Taking up residence in DTLA’s Arts District, Nightshade is a flagship concept and first restaurant for Top Chef winner Mei Lin, along with partners Francis Miranda and Cyrus Batchan of No.8. This highly anticipated project draws from the culmination of Lin’s personal culinary history of helping her parents and extended families in their Chinese restaurants as a child in Detroit. With its unique menu and creative craft cocktail program, this relative newcomer promises to fit well into the fabric of the neighborhood’s eclectic and artistic ethos.

Fogo de Chão 800 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Bring your appetite for this sumptuous, all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, just a short walk from LA Live and Staples Center. Serious carnivores can get their protein fix with the full authentic churrasco experience, including market table and Feijoada bar, a traditional Brazilian stew. The interior incorporates contemporary Brazilian architectural design with modern imagery, and elements that pay homage to gaucho traditions and the restaurant’s Southern Brazilian roots. The spacious main dining room is complemented with distinctive private dining and a lively bar area, known as Bar Fogo.