#dtla Archives - Page 12 of 13

Celebrate LA! Food, Film, Festivals & Fairs

April is Earth Month! The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Twenty years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in more than 190 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.

It’s time to think globally and act locally! From Earth Day events and River Clean Ups, to food and film festivals, book fairs, and arts events, LA presents a multitude of opportunities to celebrate, give back, and have a lot of fun along the way!

Foodie Con Magic Box @The Reef DTLA 1933 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007

Apr 6-7 Foodie Con is a two-day ‘Comic Con’ style convention featuring food exhibitors, product tastings, workshops, cooking demos, book signings, and more. Attendees will try, taste, and buy their way around LA’s ultimate consumer food and beverage event. Culinary enthusiasts can explore the latest culinary concepts and learn cooking techniques from renowned chefs. Although it’s not a sampling event, there will be quite a few vendors sampling products, and various food vendors will be on site selling a wide variety of food. There is no age limit to enter, but if you will be sampling or purchasing alcohol, a valid 21+ ID will be required.

LA Beer Fest Los Angeles Center Studios 450 South Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

April 6 The 11th annual LA Beer Festival will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, over a dozen food trucks (food sold separately), as well as live entertainment. Admission is for only one session, so make sure to coordinate with friends before buying your ticket. General Admission includes unlimited beer tastings with food sold separately. Festival proceeds will benefit Noah’s Bark Dog Rescue, whose aim is to rescue dogs from shelters and find permanent homes for rescued pets. Proceeds from the event will go towards funding food, shelter, and veterinary bills for rescued pets.

Masters of Taste Pasadena Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103

April 7 Masters of Taste is a premier food and beverage festival held at the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. Join over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts and walk the Rose Bowl field while enjoying delicious, unlimited tastings from LA’s top Master Chefs and restaurants, craft cocktail bars, wineries and local breweries. The fourth annual event introduces an exciting new host chef concept, featuring Michael Hung (Faith & Flower) as the premier event host/ambassador. 100% of event proceeds benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) organization. Parking is available at the event, free of charge. Guests are encouraged to utilize a car service, such as taxi or rideshare, since this event does serve alcoholic beverages.

LA Times Festival of Books University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90007

April 13-14 Since 1996, The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has become a world renowned experience gathering writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians and emerging storytellers like no other. Today over 150,000 people attend, making it the largest festival of its kind in the United States. Don’t miss the 39th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony on April 12th! General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now.

LA Art Book Fair The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 12-14 Printed Matter presents LA Art Book Fair, a unique event showcasing artists’ books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals and zines. Over 250 booksellers and independent publishers from 21 countries will convene to sell their products in this companion to New York’s Art Book Fair. Founded in 1976, Printed Matter, Inc. is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books and related publications. Printed Matter’s online catalog contains records for approximately 45,000 titles, which includes inventory currently in stock and available for sale, as well as an archive of titles previously stocked.

Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area 15501 E Arrow Hwy. Irwindale, CA 91706

Saturdays & Sundays April 6 thru May 19 Live out your Game of Thrones fantasies at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire! Begun in 1963 in Agoura, near Malibu, to create “living history” for school children and their families, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has grown into an annual interactive playground and gallery for over 200,000 participants and guests, and has given birth to an industry nationwide. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and people watching is a major part of the Renaissance Faire experience. Fun and frolics include artisans, games, rides, entertainment, food, pub crawl and Tea with the Queen.

Earth Day LA Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 11 Grand Park joins The Music Center and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power to celebrate Earth Day and offer Downtown L.A.’s residents, workers, and visitors ideas and solutions on how to live clean and go green. The annual event features performances, children’s recycled-art projects, e-waste collection, drought tolerant plant tours, plant giveaways, and demonstrations of the latest in green technology. All activities are free and open to the public.

TCM Classic Film Festival Various venues

April 11-14 Held over four days in the heart of Hollywood, the TCM Classic Film Festival is the place where movie lovers from around the world can gather to experience classic movies as they were meant to be experienced: on the big screen, with the people who made them. TCM Classic Film Festival strives to be a place where a community of movie fans of all ages can share their love of classic movies with each other, make new friends and see films as they are seldom seen today. Venues for the TCM Classic Film Festival include some of the most iconic and storied sites in the history of motion pictures. All official Festival venues are within walking distances of each other.

The Great Los Angeles River Clean Up Various locations

April 13, 20 & 27 Join Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR) for their 30th Annual Great LA River Clean Up and contribute to a thriving River ecosystem! Every Earth Month, thousands of Angelenos work together to pull tons of trash from the LA River that would otherwise contaminate water, endanger wildlife, and stifle recreation experiences before dumping into our beaches. By spending just a few hours on the River in April, you can make an immediate positive impact on our neighborhoods, our urban environment, and the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1986, FOLAR is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to ensure a publicly accessible and ecologically sustainable Los Angeles River by inspiring River stewardship through community engagement, education, advocacy, and thought leadership. Ready to clean up? Sign up here.

Our L.A. Voices: Spring Arts Festival Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 27-28 Our L.A. Voices is Grand Park’s week-long spring Pop-up Arts + Culture Fest. The festival’s 2019 theme, Origin Stories, explores and showcases distinctly Los Angeles narratives and questions about where we are, how we got here, and where we are going. This free arts fest will feature short film, dance, music, spoken word and theatre performances, as well as visual art by L.A. artists. During both days of the festival, visit Jardin del Arte, the public marketplace at Our LA Voices, featuring a range of art works for sale including paintings, photographs, collages, postcards, jewelry, and plants, from LA artists such as Patrick Martinez, Ramiro Gomez, Chinwe Okona, and Noe Olivas. Jardin del Arte is curated in partnership with Residency Gallery, Savannah Wood, and more.

Culture Club: LA’s New Galleries & Immersive Exhibitions

This spring, LA is blooming with more than just wildflowers – new galleries, interactive exhibitions, and immersive experiences are popping up like poppies all across the Southland. Discover dazzling VR and interactive installations at the world’s first fully immersive entertainment art park. Food meets art at Audrey restaurant, which recently opened at the Hammer Museum, while The Egg House features some “eggcellent” treats to view and eat. Animal lovers will revel in awww-worthy displays devoted to our furry friends. Whatever your culture club, LA’s new galleries and immersive exhibitions are guaranteed to inspire, amuse, and entertain!

Brannon Mason Gallery 1923 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Recently opened this month, Brannon Mason Gallery is a new contemporary gallery for social impact situated in a 4,500 square foot commercial space in the LA Arts District. The inaugural exhibition, CORNERSTONE, presents the U.S. debut of French photographer Etienne Rougery-Herbaut and Haitian artist Samdi, showing new works from each artist, as well as an exuberant series of collaborations the two conceived specially for this occasion. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California is the benefiting organization of the first show, with donations supporting the Immigrants’ Rights Project.

SAMSKARA Wisdome Immersive Art Park 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wisdome.LA, the world’s first fully immersive entertainment art park, presents SAMSKARA, an immersive art exhibition featuring works from transformational artist Android Jones. Visitors will experience a full dome mapping projection show, microdose VR, interactive photo display, and Android Jones art gallery. Samskara is Sanskrit for the scope of experiences which we collect through our life journeys. Good samskara is driven by positive experiences and deeds, while negative samskara is the result of evil or selfish thoughts and actions. Wisdome.LA is dedicated to presenting avant-garde transformational experiences and unforgettable events in a unique multiple projection domes setup, featuring VR and 360 immersive audio and visual experiences.

Audrey at the Hammer 10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024

Located within the Hammer Museum in Westwood, Audrey restaurant blends elevated and soulful cooking with a contemporary Southern California feel rooted in the region’s growing seasons. From restaurateur Soa Davies Forrest and chef Lisa Giffen, the dishes emphasize European flavors and techniques complemented by a full bar offering fresh, bright cocktails and a diverse wine list showcasing small production winemakers. The modern and inclusive space designed by architect Michael Maltzan and interiors by Fettle Design features a prominent tile installation from renowned Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo.

The Other Art Fair The Magic Box at The Reef 1933 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007

Looking for some art for your home or office? The Other Art Fair is a leading artist fair for a new generation of art buyers. Presented by world-renowned online art gallery Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair showcases work by 140 talented independent artists with artworks starting from $150, each hand picked by a Selection Committee of art world experts. Art lovers can visit the fair with the confidence that they are buying from the very best and most promising emerging artists in a unique and immersive experience. According to Telegraph Luxury, “The Other Art Fair’s got hipster credentials, but it’s serious about nurturing talent too.”

The Egg House 708 N Croft Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90069

The Egg House is the first egg-themed pop-up space offering a multi-sensory experience, led by founder Biubiu Xu and an eggcellent team of creators, designers, and artists. With multiple rooms of immersive installations and interactive experiences, The Egg House is a house full of dreams and fantasies that saves you from the busy concrete city, and brings you a shareable fun time to spend with friends and family. Visitors can explore Instagrammable installations, interactive design, vendors with “eggcellent” egg treats, a gift shop and more.

The Bunny Museum 2605 Lake Ave. Altadena, CA 91001

Bunnies aren’t just for Easter! The Bunny Museum is a world record-holding museum dedicated to rabbits that opened to the public in 1998, Founded by Steve Lubanski and Candace Frazee, who as a couple are called Lubunnzee, The Bunny Museum tells the history of bunnies in advertising, art, entertainment, fashion, film, and everyday vernacular. Got dust bunnies in your home? Do you know what bunnies have to do with math? Have you ever heard of a rabbit plane? Have you ever eaten a Welsh Rabbit? Hop on over and find out. The Bunny Museum has 35,754 bunny objects to date.

ALERT: This museum is not recommended for pre-school children. Children are welcome, but they are not the target audience.

100 Tactile 529 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90048

100 Tactile is the first and only tactile interactive exhibition – featuring 100 boxes with unknown content inside! The audience will experience objects and symbols completely through the sense of touch, activating a different kind of awareness to the world. Complemented by supporting visual elements and music, the artwork consists of 100 individual pieces, divided into 3 sections: 1. Daily Objects 2. Materials and Texture 3. Text and Symbols. (Hand sanitizers are provided in every section).100 Tactile was conceived by Ceci M W, a conceptual artist based in New York. Ceci’s installation work frequently involves physical interactions with the audience in unexpected ways, examining psychological effects, physiological senses, or communication between humans through participation.

Dogs! A Science Tail California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles 90037

They’re cuddly. They’re smart. We treat them like part of the family. From lovable companions to loyal protectors, dogs live and work alongside us. They can rescue us from peril, sniff out danger, or provide help to people in need. Through engaging and fun hands-on exhibits, visitors can explore the science behind the bond between humans and dogs. Find out how humans and dogs are both wired for social connection, which made it possible for dogs to nuzzle their way into human society and into our hearts. Discover dogs’ amazing senses and grab the chance to see, hear, smell, and act like a dog.

ALERT: Please note: Humans only! Service dogs that have been individually trained to work or perform tasks for a guest with a disability are welcome, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals are not allowed, for the safety of the Science Center’s exhibit animals.

Super Power Dogs 3D

Enhance your California Science Center experience with an immersive IMAX adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world’s most amazing dogs. Superpower Dogs 3D takes you on a journey around the globe to meet remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners.

Spring Fling! Celebrate the Season in LA

We’ve all sprung forward with Daylight Saving Time, and March 20 – the first day of Spring – is right around the corner. It’s time to get out and celebrate the season with a Spring Fling!

Take a hike and commune with the wildflowers – after all the heavy rains, Southern California is experiencing a Super Bloom! Explore downtown LA’s hidden treasures on a walking tour or bicycle adventure. Shop for fresh produce at a local farmers market. You can even spend a day of fitness working out with your pooch! You’ll always find inspiration when you live in DTLA1

Natural History Museum 900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Discover L.A.’s wild side at L.A. Naturefest, a fun-filled two-day festival at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. There’s a surprising amount of nature in Los Angeles, and the more you know how to look for it, the more you’ll see. You’ll be blown away by the plants, animals, and the people devoted to protecting and studying them. Festival highlights include over 35 exhibitor booths with local organizations; hands on nature crafts and activities; free giveaways from Tree People; and seed packets from Big Green. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet live animals and talk face to face with scientists and nature experts.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536

Thanks to the recent rains, California is experiencing a Super Bloom – a rare happening in which all the desert flowers bloom at once! Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily. Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills make the park a wonderful place to hike and smell the flowers. Poppies open up in mid morning, and curl up in the late afternoon/evening or if it’s cold, so check the weather forecast before arriving. No dogs, bikes on trails, drones, or picking flowers.

Theodore Payne Foundation 10459 Tuxford St. Sun Valley, CA 91352

Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants is a true force for change in Southern California. While preserving the legacy of Theodore Payne – a pioneering Los Angeles nurseryman and horticulturist – their goal is to transform the region into sustainable, healthy communities. Located on 22 acres of canyon land in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley, the full-service native plant nursery, seed room, bookstore, art gallery, demonstration gardens, and hiking trails are open to the public year round. Friendly on-leash dogs are welcome, and there is no admission charge.

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garen, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden and more. They also offer popular botanical programs such as 2nd Thursday Garden Talks, Garden Tours, Music in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Tea House Tours. Don’t miss the Annual Spring Plant Sale, coming up Sunday April 28.

Green Muffin Walking Tour Freehand Hotel 416 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Modeled after the popular European walking tours, Green Muffin Walking Tour is LA’s newest tour servicing historic downtown Los Angeles. Their mission is to provide an educated and humorous tour of downtown Los Angeles that anyone can afford (all tours are free and the guides work on a donations only basis). Green Muffin gives 5% of all their donations to aid the homeless on Skid Row and provide warm clothes and food. The tour kicks off at the Freehand Hotel lobby every weekend at 10AM and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Highlights include The Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market, Walt Disney Concert Hall and more! Look for your guide wearing a shirt with a green muffin on it. No need for reservations. They can accommodate up to 20 people per tour. Bring comfortable shoes, money for lunch, sunglasses, and a popular joke from wherever you are from.

The Crafty Pedal: A Woke Bike Shop 520 E 15th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

The Crafty Pedal is DTLA’s only late night cycling and craft boutique. With a love for traditional craftsmanship and elegance, along with an appreciation for new and innovative modern designs, The Crafty Pedal provides the best of both worlds, integrating classic vintage charm with modern day durability, performance and comfort. By offering reclaimed high end brands, they make owning a nice bike obtainable. Every bicycle is uniquely one of a kind and custom built to your specifications. Ready to put the pedal to the metal? Check out their L.A. Bike Friendly Directory.

Puppies & Planks L.A. State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

National Puppy Day is March 23, 2019! To celebrate, Puppies & Planks is putting on the first ever outdoor fitness festival for humans and dogs!. Created by YouTube fitness guru Cassey Ho of Blogilates, and presented by PETCO, this outdoor event will feature a full day of fitness, pups, shopping, food, and more! Bring all your friends and fam for a fun day in the park with vendor booths, Instagram photo stations, giveaways, and lots of cute dogs. Start the day off with a 3K dog walk around LA Historic Park! General admission is free. Buy one class and get an all-access pass to all of the classes on the schedule. The first 500 people who reserve an all-access pass will receive an exclusive swag bag filled with goodies from the sponsors. Your entire ticket purchase (100%) will be donated directly to LA Animal Services and other local rescue organizations.

Historic Core Farmers Market 5th St. (between Broadway and Spring)

Historic Core Farmers Market, LA’s newest addition to the DTLA farmers market scene, is held every Sunday from 9AM – 2PM. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find farm-fresh eggs (free range and sprout-fed); breakfast and brunch items; sweet pastries and empanadas; Mediterranean dips and spreads; flowers and floral arrangements; natural homemade skin care products; and dog food and pooch products. Along with fresh local groceries, there’s a selection of prepared food and drinks including fresh juices and lemonade; coffee; tacos and breakfast burritos; pupusas, barbecue, curry, and much more!

Certified Farmers Market @Pershing Square 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Every Wednesday, Pershing Square Farmers Market, presented in partnership with Raw Inspiration, sells garden fresh fruits, vegetables, and special delicacies. Raw Inspiration’s mission is to educate children and adults on the importance of a healthy diet, especially on the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily. To accompany that mission, they have set up a program where growers can distribute their produce at neighborhood farmers markets. In and around Los Angeles, it is estimated that nearly 2,000,000 visitors enjoy Raw Inspiration’s farmers markets every year, and that number continues to increase with every new market opening.

Roamin’ for Ramen: Best Noodles in DTLA

March is National Noodle Month! Time for a slurpy celebration of brothy ramen, brimming with palate-pleasing umami. While Little Tokyo is the obvious DTLA destination for authentic Japanese ramen, check out Chinatown, Grand Central Market, and other downtown LA neighborhoods, where you’ll find everything from house-made Japanese tsukemen ramen to vegan and gluten free options.

So get out there and start roamin’ for ramen. DTLA boasts some of the best bowls in town, and we’re not just noodlin’ around!

DTLA Ramen 952 S. Broadway Los Angeles CA 90015

DTLA Ramen inhabits a sleek modern space with an open kitchen, so you can watch your food as it’s being prepared. You have a choice of broth for your ramen, including pork, chicken, vegetarian, soy milk, or no broth at all, with a selection of add ons, such as ground spicy chicken, spicy miso paste, injected egg, or hard boiled egg, and chashu belly. In true DTLA spirit, the restaurant offers interesting craft beers, with an emphasis on Japanese brews. For starters, try their cold sake sampler – pick three from the sake list. They also serve free black and green tea for your much-needed midday pick-me-up.

Ramen Hood Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ramen Hood is a vegan ramen shop located in Downtown LA’s historic Grand Central Market. The food is one hundred percent vegan, with broth made by simmering kelp and shiitake mushrooms to extract their maximum umami. Roasted sunflower seeds with white miso are combined with the kelp/mushroom stock, then the mixture is pressure cooked to release the natural oils and starches from the seeds. What’s left is a rich, creamy, broth that rivals its non-vegan counterparts’ flavor and texture. The “egg” is completely vegan, made in two parts. The “white” of the egg starts as locally made, GMO-free soy milk, seasoned with salt and pepper and gelled with agar (a seaweed extract). The “yolk” is a combination of nutritional yeast, back salt and sodium alginate. The yolk is spherified, using a little magic, and placed it in the center of the white, so that the yolk pops just like the real thing!

Okiboru House of Tsukemen 635 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tsukemen is extremely popular in Japan but few know about it outside the country. The founders of Okiboru, who trained in Japan to master the tsukemen craft, are on a mission to introduce this style of “dipping ramen” to a wider audience of eaters. With tsukemen, unlike its traditional ramen cousin, the noodles are served on the side separate from the broth, hence the name “dipping ramen.” Okiboru makes their own noodles on-site from scratch using their proprietary recipe. The broth is painstakingly brewed twice as long as the typical ramen broth, until the consistency is perfect for dipping. In addition to the traditional pork chashu, they offer a side of grilled pork ribs which are marinated for hours and grilled to add the perfect amount of smoky flavor. The chefs have also created a delicious vegetarian broth, which is available in both tsukemen and ramen dishes.

Shojin 333 S. Alameda St. Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Shojin presents a unique vegan, macrobiotic, gluten free Japanese dining experience, offering natural, organic cuisine for health-conscious customers.The ramen is onion and garlic free, made from cabbage, carrot, celery and olive oil. Choose from Spicy Ramen Revolution (brown rice noodles, kale, avocado, bean sprouts, spicy miso broth), Vegan “Egg,” ane Soy Chicken. Add ons include garlic, ginger, kale, extra noodles, shiitake mushrooms, and extra chile oil.

Daikokuya Little Tokyo 327 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Featured on ABC News, LA Eater, Thrillist, LA Times, ZAGAT, LA Weekly, Sunset magazine, and more, Daikokuya is known for their original soup made from soy sauce and pork bones, which are simmered for a full day. The signature Daikokuya Ramen consists of noodles, boiled egg, seasoned bamboo shoots, and green onions, with tender slices of homemade pork belly chashu. Eggs are soaked in a special sauce all through the night before serving. Be sure to try their premium brand sake, handmade by Daikokuya/Bishamon Group.

Rakkan Ramen 359 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

In 2011, Rakkan Ramen began as a tiny, four seat ramen bar in Tokyo. In 2017, with a passion for the world to taste their authentic Japanese ramen, Rakkan Ramen opened their first overseas location in Los Angeles. The plant-based broth is made with Dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock full of umami, bringing out the essence of each ingredient. Then the carefully chosen vegetables and kombu (kelp) are slowly simmered to extract the best flavor and lock in the umami. The marriage between the Oishii Japanese broth and silky slim noodles will help you discover another level of pleasure for your palate. Take a slurp!

Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen 132 S Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

This classic ramen restaurant is located in the heart of Little Tokyo. Pronounced “shin sen goo-me,” the name was taken from the historical samurai clan who fought for a great “cause” during a civil war in Japan. The samurais’ commitment to excellence and sincerity of service to the nation became the restaurant’s model for serving excellent, traditional Japanese cuisine. Choose which size ramen bowl you want, then choose your noodles, and finally pick all the extra toppings you want to customize your ramen bowl just the way you like it. Extra toppings include wontons, spicy miso, curry, chili oil, pork cutlet, hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn and more.

2019 Interior Design Trends: Where to Get the Latest Looks in DTLA

Spring is in the air! Time to spruce up your space with a fresh new look! The top 2019 Interior Design Trends are hot off the presses at international design shows such as Paris’ Maison et Objet, Milan Design Week, and the UK’s CovetED magazine, so let’s get inspired!

If 2018 was all about neutral palettes, 2019 finds balance with provocative pops of color, such as Pantone’s 2019 color of the year–Living Coral–along with saturated moody hues like Hunter Green, digitally-inspired shades of violet and pink, soft terracottas, and optimistic yellow.

Pantone’s Color of the Year – Living Coral

Sleek mid-century modern styles continue to prevail, punctuated by gold, silver and black matter metallic accents; bold graphic area rugs, and sculptural lighting. Other major trends include Asian influences, bright and muted florals, plush velvets, and raw materials such as rattan and reclaimed wood. Ready to snap up a great deal? Secondhand and vintage stores are bursting at the seams with discarded furniture and home accessories, thanks to Marie Kondo’s popular decluttering craze.

However you choose to curate your home, DTLA is the ultimate destination for the best Interior Design Trends of 2019!

Hammer and Spear 255 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Launched in 2013, Hammer and Spear is a showroom and full service multidisciplinary interior design studio, with a team of interior designers, architects, and product designers. Located in a historic brick building in the heart of the Arts District, this dual-functioning environment lends itself to a creative atmosphere, which permeates both the retail and design settings. Founders husband and wife Scott Jarrell and Kristan Cunningham present a carefully curated, sophisticated array of home furnishings, accessories, art objects, and lifestyle products.

A + R Row DTLA 777 S Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90021

A+R stands for Andy and Rose: British ex-pat Andy Griffith, a former film editor and self-avowed design junkie, and Rose Apodaca, a pop culture and style journalist and author. From sofas to stools, clocks to carafes, tables to lightning, A + R’s oeuvre is design that charms, functions and inspires. Need some style advice? A + R has a knowledgeable team in-store and behind the scenes who will share their enthusiasm for design, bound by the pursuit of aesthetics and innovative ideas.

The Good Liver 705 Mateo St Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Good Liver is a modern day version of a general store that sets out to inform, inspire and ultimately suggest a better way of living through a conscientious collection of enduring, quality goods from around the world. Motivated by the simple things in life, The Good Liver strives to provide high quality, functional products with aesthetic appeal – the unification of design and quality! The store offers a carefully selected range of objects from international brands and makers, showcasing the history, philosophy and craftsmanship behind each item. Helpful staff share stories of the how and why behind each product’s creation, illustrating the thoughtful curation of The Good Liver and their dedication to the good life.

Matter & Bone 548 S Spring St. Ste 113 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Formerly Hayes Gallery, Matter & Bone is a chic furniture and home accessories boutique located in downtown LA. In 2017, owner Tracy Hayes made the transition from gallery to boutique, diversifying her inventory to include carefully curated artisan goods, with a strong focus on local LA artists. Inspired by your own unique aesthetic, Matter & Bone can arrange for custom upholstery or refinishing for nearly every piece in their collection, to create a look that fits perfectly in your home.

HD Buttercup DTLA 2118 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Since opening their doors in 2005, HD Buttercup has become a favorite resource for home furnishings and décor. Defined by bold and imaginative pieces from around the world, HD Buttercup has become the destination for distinctive collections, from sleek mid-century designs to vintage accent pieces. Eliminating the middleman, they work directly with factories and iconic designers to provide a wide variety of high quality, well-priced pieces. HD Buttercup also offers complimentary interior design and personal shopping services.

Rafu Bussan 414 East Second Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located inside the Honda Plaza, Rafu Bussan offers a slice of Little Tokyo history and tradition. The store dates to before World War II, when Yuko Tanaka and Junichi Onishi founded Rafu Bussan in Gardena, California. During World War II, Mr. Tanaka was sent to an internment camp and after the war, they started up the business again, delivering items such as rice, tea, rice bowls and chopsticks to the Japanese in Orange County and the South Bay communities. In 1958, the late Kiyoshi “Skip” Kawaratani and his wife purchased Mr. Onishi’s share of the business and later, Mr. Tanaka’s interest as well. Today, Rafu Bussan carries a huge selection of Japanese dinnerware, vases and accessories, traditional iron and metal ornaments, classical Japanese dolls, lacquerware, kitchenware, origami papers and books, cookbooks, and Japanese foods.

LA Trim & Rugs 831 S Wall St Los Angeles, CA 90014

This insider’s secret offers luxurious rugs made with the highest quality yarn possible, designed by today’s traditional and modern fashion experts, with durability, artistic palette, comfort, and affordability in mind. Each rug goes through a special preparation process to produce a unique and beautiful product. The rug yarn is first dyed to custom color specifications, and then is tufted individually by the hands of talented artisans. New stain and soil resistant advanced technology is then added to ensure durability, quality, and performance. Choose from countless styles including shag, flokati, faux fur, Persian, contemporary, and even fluffy 3D models.

Silverado Salvage & Design 2401 E 27th St, Vernon, CA 90058

Silverado Salvage & Design is the original salvage and reclaimed wood destination where you’ll find a huge selection of architectural salvage, antiques, pre-made, repurposed and reclaimed wood furniture, and thousands of feet of beautiful reclaimed wood. The cavernous 16,000 square-foot warehouse is popular with studios, commercial and residential designers, architects, artists, craftspeople, builders, as well as the general public. The team will create custom designs, including tables, desks, credenzas, kitchen islands, cabinets, shelving, sliding doors, wall installations, and objet d’art, just to name a few.

Loveseat Vintage Furniture 2445 E 12th St Unit C, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Loveseat is the creation of husband and wife duo Jenny & Chris Stanchak–dubbed ‘Team Awesome.’ While preparing for their cross country move from Philadelphia to San Diego, the couple realized just how hard it is to sell furniture, and even worse, how amazingly challenging and time consuming it is to find nice furniture you can afford. From this frustration, Loveseat was born. You can buy and sell vintage furniture on the Loveseat online platform, or swing by their warehouse in DTLA to take an in-person look at their fun and affordable inventory. Order your low-cost home delivery during checkout.

DTLA’s Best Breakfasts & Brunches

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why scimp out! Jumpstart your busy schedule with classic American comfort food at a homey cafe. Or treat yourself to crispy Belgian Waffles topped with fresh fruit, along with a steaming cappuccino. Making weekend plans? Celebrate the occasion with a savory Salmon Benedict and some bubbly on the side.

When you live at Circa, you’ll never run out of options! DTLA abounds in the best breakfasts and brunches–guaranteed to please every palate!

The Rustiq Table 2280 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located in downtown Los Angeles near the USC campus, The Rustiq Table offers a unique and modern take on comfort food. Breakfast, served from 8am – 11am, offers specialties such as Avocado Toast, RUSTIQ’s Classic Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Buttermilk Biscuit, and Chilaquiles (Fried tortilla chips, green salsa, black beans, feta cheese, sour cream, onions, fried egg). Saturday brunch, from 10am to 3pm, features unique dishes such as the Farro Avocado Breakfast Bowl, Zucchini Pancakes with Smoked Salmon, as well as RUSTIQ Burgers. To top it off, indulge in a tempting cookie or brownie with a cup of Stumptown coffee or tea. Dine in the cozy storefront or take away to enjoy at home.

Bottega Louie 700 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

This iconic 255 seat restaurant, gourmet market, patisserie and café offers pizzas, pastas, small plates and macarons to-go in a bright, bustling space. The sumptuous Breakfast Menu presents a selection of egg dishes, omelettes, Avocado Toast (avocado, poached egg, chorizo, Fresno chiles & red onion on pain de mie), Smoked Salmon Benedict (poached eggs, smoked salmon, crème fraîche, red onions, sautéed spinach & hollandaise sauce on potato pancakes), and Prosciutto & Burrata (prosciutto, burrata, basil & extra virgin olive oil on a potato pancake). Weekend Brunch is a celebration of sweet and savory choices including Belgian Waffles, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, French Toast, Avocado Toast, Tuscan Farro & Eggs, Lobster Hash, and Farmers Market Breakfast (poached eggs, Japanese sweet potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, asparagus, baby artichokes & ricotta salata). Full bar available. Salut!

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French inspired rooftop bistro with unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. Brunch is served until 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Start with a chef’s selection of scones, muffins, and croissants with whipped honey butter or jam. Or savor the sybaritic Baked Brie (fennel apple pecan slaw, mâche, wholegrain mustard aïoli). Other signature dishes include Perch Truffle Cheese Frites (white cheddar & pecorino), Avocado Toast (roasted campari tomatoes, frisee, citronette, candied pepitas), Perch Fromage + Charcuterie (daily selection of two cheeses & two cured meats, nuts, fruit, sour cherry mustard, raisin-walnut crostini), plus an array of salads, eggs, omelettes, and burgers. Bubbles and craft cocktails are available from the bar.

Eggslut Grand Central Market 317 S. Broadway, Stall D-1 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Eggslut is a chef driven, gourmet food concept founded in 2011, inspired by a true love for eggs. The menu is a balance of comfort and innovation, celebrating food that appeals to both novice and extreme foodies through classic comfort fare with a twist, all encompassing the key ingredient–eggs. No longer just a breakfast staple, Eggslut make eggs appetizing all day, everyday.

KTCHN DTLA 428 S Hewitt St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

This weekend pop-up brunch spot features elevated breakfast dishes and cocktails in an open, airy venue. The location and menu have changed over time, but the quality of the food is consistently top-notch, receiving accolades from Eater LA, Thrillist, Eye on LA, and Zagat. KTCHN is currently posted at Resident in DTLA’s Arts District. Let go of any expectations and trust that you will have a great time and an amazing meal.

Poppy + Rose 765 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Featured on LA Weekly’s Best of L.A. Food & Drink, Poppy + Rose is inspired by the country kitchens we all know and love. A collaboration between Diana Yin and Chef Michael Reed, the restaurant serves classic American diner fare prepared with honest ingredients. Their signature Fried Chicken & Waffles is made with free-range Mary’s chicken and a Belgian-style waffle. Biscuits are baked from scratch every morning with real butter, and fries are hand cut from fresh Kennebec potatoes. Poppy + Rose offers a full range drop-off catering menu, from high-volume corporate events to a small gathering of friends for breakfast in your home.

P.Y.T. 400 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

P.Y.T. is a vegetable-centered restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, inspired by a garden not far away. Caspian pink tomatoes, chocolate mint, marigolds, passion fruit, Japanese red mustard, Bright Lights Swiss chard, scarlet radishes, and purple top turnips grow on the hillside. Some days, there might be 35 pounds of tomatoes that seemed to appear overnight, so they make tomato tarts. Sample the Persimmon toast with ricotta, pumpkin seeds and Old Bank honey or if you’re feeling especially adventurous, the Green piri piri rice with herbs, fried egg, sesame seeds and tiny arare (rice crackers). Weekend Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday 10am to 3pm.

A Little Romance: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in DTLA

There’s something about Valentine’s Day that brings out the romance in all of us! February 14 first became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, Valentine’s Day evolved into an occasion where lovers expressed their affection by presenting flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards, known as Valentines.

This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to knock it out of the park! From dazzling celebrations soaring above the LA skyline, to elegant dinners, and cool retro entertainment, DTLA has a little romance for lovers everywhere.

71Above 633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071

Take Valentine’s Day to new heights! Towering over downtown LA on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Offering elevated modern American cuisine by Chef Vartan Abgaryan, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Guests may choose to dine within the buzz of the bar or in the adjacent lively main dining room. The Chef’s tables offer views of the open kitchen and transition into a semi-private dining area, offering a quieter and more intimate dining environment. For diners seeking the ultimate in privacy, 71Above offers one large and two small private dining rooms overlooking Dodger Stadium. For Valentine’s Day, 71Above is offering a sumptuous Four Course Dinner with Optional Wine Pairing.

OUE Skyspace LA 633 W 5th St #840 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Skyspace Los Angeles is ready to make your Valentine’s Day memorable with their Toast From The Top package! Located at the very top of the U.S. Bank Tower, the Skyspace observation deck sits 1,000 feet about the city and provides breathtaking views. Your Toast From The Top package includes:Two General Admission tickets, Two Rides on the all-glass Skyslide (one per ticket), Two Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Your choice of 2 glasses or a bottle of champagne. Buy tickets here.

Cicada Restaurant and Club 617 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Make history this Valentine’s Day! Cicada Restaurant and Club presents their Valentine’s Dinner Dance at the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu at this glamorous venue, and dance the night away with Jack’s Cats Swing Quartet. $95 per person, tax and gratuity not included.

Faith & Flower 705 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Indulge your Valentine with a romantic Three Course Pre-Fixe Menu at Faith & Flower, a contemporary Los Angeles restaurant located in the WaterMarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district. Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, the menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine. The cocktail program celebrates the drinking culture spanning the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties in Downtown Los Angeles, and features cocktails with long-forgotten ingredients as well as modern signature drinks.

Mrs. Fish 448 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

There’s nothing fishy about Valentine’s Day! With every detail in place, Mrs. Fish welcomes diners and drinkers to experience modern Japanese cuisine and a robust whisky program in a stunningly designed, art-filled DTLA oasis. Located 15 floors below Perch (same ownership), Mrs. Fish combines food, art from the hottest galleries in Tokyo, and drink to create an unparalleled dining and drinking experience in an immersive environment that is at once Zen-like and provocative. $70/person. Additionally, they’ll offer four seats for a more attentive, seven-course kaiseki experience at the omakase bar. $238/couple.

La Boucherie 900 Wilshire Blvd Fl 71 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Elevate your evening this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable dinner at La Boucherie at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, which occupies 37 floors of the Wilshire Grand Center. The Wine Spectator award-winning steakhouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, live music, and delectable tasting menus curated by Executive Chef Igor Krichmar. Optional wine pairings are available, as well as private and group seating options. Dinner at La Boucherie includes complimentary access to Spire 73’s Cupid’s Club event, featuring a live DJ, complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon, and a variety of lounge experiences. Enhance your evening even more with the Romance Package, which includes overnight accommodations at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Chocolate covered strawberries with sparkling wine upon check-in, breakfast for two, and more.

Cafe Pinot 700 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Named “Most Romantic Restaurant.” by L.A. Downtown News. Cafe Pinot is a California French-inspired restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles offering twinkle-lit outdoor dining on the garden patio. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your love of food with a special menu by Executive Chef Phillip Martin. $70 Three-Course & $85 Four-Course Menus.

Le Petit Paris 418/420 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nothing says romance quite like France! Le Petit Paris comes from Cannes-based restaurateurs David and Fanny Rolland, owners of Miramar Plage on La Croisette and the original Le Petit Paris, both located in Cannes. The restaurant is housed in Downtown Los Angeles’ historic El Dorado building, originally built in 1913 and features multiple skylights, a mezzanine level, a lounge, a room dedicated to date night goers, “La Boutique,” a gift shop with artisanal goods from France and a large outdoor patio. Le Petit paris offers dishes from the South of France and provides a true French brasserie dining experience to Downtown LA’s Historic Core.

Things to Do in DTLA: Fun Frolics & Hidden Gems!

Looking for something different to do in DTLA? Of course there’s the expected slew of restaurant openings, hot new shops, and cool brewpubs––and who’s complaining! But if you stray a bit off the beaten track, you’ll find that our city is teeming with unusual diversions, fun frolics, and hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered.

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, molecular mixology and liberal use of lasers and robots. As a brand new type of social playspace (Two Bit Circus just opened in September 2018), 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. Sounds like a blast? Make reservations here.

Escape Room L.A. 120 E 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Imagine yourself in a real-life adventure game filled with mysterious puzzles and brain-teasing clues! Escape Room LA. immerses you in a choice of five extraordinary environments, from a 1940’s detective office to a mystifying underground cavern, an ancient Mayan pyramid, an old haunted theatre, or a medieval alchemist’s secret laboratory. Gamers have to solve a series of challenging clues and puzzles and escape before their time runs out! Before the game, friendly Escape Room staffers will review the rules and answer any questions before your countdown to escape begins. Never fear, if you don’t make your way out before time’s up, the door will be unlocked. At the end of your game, the staff will recap your accomplishments and explain how to solve the remaining puzzles inside the room. Plan on spending a total of about 90 minutes from start to finish. Buy tickets here.

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

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. Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM. Sorry, no pets allowed.

The Velaslavasay Panorama 1122 West 24th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Drawing on the illustrious history of the great panorama paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, The Velaslavasay Panorama is an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences, including those of the 360-degree variety. The Velaslavasay Panorama panoramic exhibition encircles the spectator within a fully enveloping atmosphere; a vast painting of a continuous surrounding landscape, accompanied by sound stimulation and three-dimensional elements, affords the viewer an opportunity to experience a complete sensory phenomenon.

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate, while a pergola and courtyard gardens offer additional areas to enjoy. Classes and workshops exploring topics focusing on personal growth and practical spirituality are offered weekly. Complimentary admission here.

Underground L.A. Cartwheel Art Tours

Cartwheel Art Tours pulls back the curtain on LA’s “underground” past, from notorious Prohibition-era murders to infamous speakeasy haunts frequented by the Old Hollywood elite. Tours include a few stops under the busy streets of DTLA to discover a century-old tunnel and speakeasies, alongside more modern interpretations of the city’s hidden watering holes. Based in the DTLA Arts District, Cartwheel Art creates and produces immersive, neighborhood explorations and experiences designed by founder Cindy Schwarzstein, a hands-on active member of the Los Angeles arts community. The tours are offered as an opportunity to engage individuals and groups in art, food and historical adventure, with a focus on supporting local artists and artisan businesses. Buy tickets here.

Velveteria: The Museum of Velvet Art 711 New High St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Velveteria is a velvet painting museum located in Chinatown, curated by owners Caren Anderson and Carl Baldwin. The museum features over 420 paintings culled from the couple’s 3,000 piece collection, gathered from every corner of the world. An ancient technique, velvet painting is thought to have originated in Kashmir, the homeland of the fabric. Traditional paintings were generally religious and portrayed the icons of the Caucasus region. Marco Polo and others introduced black velvet paintings to Western Europe, and some of these early works still hang in the Vatican Museum. In 20th century America, black velvet paintings attained full-on cult status, depicting imagery from pop culture such as the classic “Velvet Elvis.”

Delicious DTLA: Delis, Diners & Dips!

Do you ever get the urge to dive into a big juicy sandwich, stacked a mile high and dripping with gastronomic goodness? How about whiling away a lazy Saturday morning over blueberry pancakes and a fresh brewed cup o’ joe? Or do you prefer your meal with a side of noir?

DTLA is the ultimate destination for vintage diners, authentic delis, Prohibition-era eateries, and legendary French Dip spots–some even have a shady past! Delicious DTLA has many fascinating stories to reveal, told through the language of great food!

Cole’s French Dip 118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Cole’s, Originator of the French Dip Sandwich, opened in 1908 in the Pacific Electric building. Evoking the spirit of an early 20th century saloon, the welcoming 40-foot Red Car Bar boasts original glass lighting, penny tile floors, and historic photos, preserved in the restoration of the cherished landmark. During Prohibition, Cole’s was a favorite hangout for gangsters like Mickey Cohen (If you were a regular customer, your “coffee” came with a little something extra!). Today, continuing the tradition of the Golden Age of American cocktails, the Red Car Bar’s ample selection of premium spirits, drafts, and historic cocktails compliment the saloon’s classic French Dip sandwiches, appetizers, salads and sides.

The Original Philippe 1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California, established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the “French Dipped Sandwich.” One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the “French Dipped Sandwich,” so called either because of Mathieu’s French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on, or because the officer’s name was French. The answer is lost to history.

Nickel Diner 524 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Featured on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives, the Cooking Channel and Jonathan Gold’s 101 List, this cozy vintage-style diner serves updated versions of old-school comfort fare, such as maple-glaze bacon doughnut, baked eggs, steak sandwich, and catfish, plus creative desserts. Located on a historic stretch of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, the restaurant occupies the site of a long-forgotten diner, with the original hand-painted wall menus still intact. High ceilings, vintage wallpaper, wooden tables, scuffed tile floors, cushy red leather booths and an old-school, lunch counter-style open kitchen evoke a picture-perfect model of a pre-WWII-era diner.

The Original Pantry 877 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Established in 1924, The Original Pantry has spent eight decades providing its customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine. More than just a casual eatery, The Pantry offers diners an atmosphere rich in character and history. An integral piece of Los Angeles culture, The Pantry has served many movie stars, politicians and other celebrities and continues to be a gathering spot for the city’s movers and shakers. As The Pantry’s current owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan likes to boast, “We never close. We’re never without a customer.”

Nick’s Cafe 1300 N. Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick’s Cafe started back in 1948 by Nick, his Navy buddy, and Lois the server. Nick was just out of Navy and decided to open a little diner across from the River Station freight yards. Known for serving bone-in ham at the horseshoe counter, customers started calling the little cafe the “Ham House.” After a successful run, Nick sold his diner to a couple of LAPD detectives who put in a train that ran around the ceiling. After many good years, the place fell into dark times–the old rail yards were grown over and the freight buildings were empty. Flash forward to 2009, when the current owner took over. Over 60 years later, Nck’s is still known for the ham, the smiles, and the coffee.

Wexler’s Deli Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wexler’s Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Born of a desire to serve classic Jewish deli food made by people who care, Wexler’s uses old-school methods to handcraft their pastrami and smoked salmon. After curing in a special blend of salt and spices, the meats and fish are slowly smoked in-house over apple wood and sliced by hand in front of your eyes. Wexler’s also serves breakfast sandwiches (Cheezy Eggs, Bagel with Lox) and a selection of sides including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad and tuna salad. Wash it all down with a good old fashioned Chocolate Phosphate or Chocolate Egg Cream.

Mel’s Deli 548 S. Spring St #114, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This unassuming, counter-service standby is known for its hearty, deli-style sandwiches with an Italian flare. Indulge yourself with the spicy Mel’s Melt (Russak Roast Beef, Habanero, Jack Cheese, Horseradish, Pepper Spread, Dill Pickle). Or settle into the generous Mel’s Italian (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Capicola, Jamon, Soppressata, Provolone, Homemade Mustard). Other zesty choices include Prosciutto & Burrata (Prosciutto di Parma, Burrata, Arugula Dressed, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar); Caprese (House Made Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar), and Muffaletta (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Provolone, Olive Tapenade, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion). Delivery is available through these apps: Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, Grubhub, Eat24, and ForkSpot.

LA Museums You’ve Never Heard Of, But Need to Check Out Now!

Sure, we all love LACMA. And The Getty Center is always great, especially when you need to entertain out-of-town guests. But sometimes it’s fun to branch out. LA is full of cool, unusual, and off-the-beaten track museums that are definitely worth a visit. From cryptic collections to interactive experiences, neon light tours, and even food museums, you’ll always find something new to discover in LA!

Museum of Jurassic Technology 9341 Venice Blvd. Culver City, California 90232

The Museum of Jurassic Technology is an educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic. This cryptic statement is left uncertain and unexplained. And that’s just the point! The museum contains a provocative mixture of artistic, scientific, ethnographic, and historic, as well as some unclassifiable exhibits, and the diversity of its offerings evokes the cabinets of curiosities that were the 16th-century predecessors of modern natural history museums. The factual claims of many of the museum’s exhibits strain credibility, so take it all in with a grain of salt and have fun!

Museum of Neon Art 216 S Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91204

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to art in electric media, exhibiting electric and kinetic fine art, and outstanding examples of historic neon signs, for over three decades. MONA encourages learning, curiosity and expression through the preservation, collection and interpretation of neon, electric and kinetic art. A gateway between scientific principles and artistic expression, Neon illumination integrates electrical technology, creative design, and fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. MONA hosts Saturday night Neon Cruises–a nighttime bus tour of neon signs, movie marquees and permanent installations of contemporary neon art through Downtown and Hollywood. Buy tickets here.

Desert X

Ready for a road trip? Desert X is a site-specific exhibition that first took place in Spring 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create work in response to the unique conditions of the Coachella Valley and project their vision based on the extraordinary natural and social history, matchless spectacle of the geologic epic, radical abstraction of the surrounds, and the singular incursions of humans into the seemingly barren landscape. Desert X will be held from Feb. 9 – Apr. 21, 2019 in the Coachella Valley. Free and open to the public. Plan your visit here.

Museum of Illusions 6751 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Museum of Illusions was founded as a place where visitors could let their imaginations run wild! A great place for friends and family to express themselves in one-of-a-kind interactive art exhibits that make for a photo opportunity unlike any other. The friendly staff encourages you to take as many photos as you want in front of a wide range of exhibits, from climbing the highest mountain tops in the world, to playing Jack & Rose as the Titanic sinks, or running through the city during a meteor strike! The unique 3D paintings are created by some of the world’s leading artists, with new exhibits being added all the time.

Museum of Death 6031 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028

The World Famous Museum of Death was founded in June, 1995 when JD Healy and Cathee Shultz decided to fill the void in death education and made death their life’s work. With locations in Hollywood and New Orleans, the Museum of Death houses the world’s largest collection of serial killer artwork, antique funeral ephemera, mortician and coroners instruments, Manson Family memorabilia, pet death taxidermy, crime scene photographs, and more. The Museum of Death experience is a self guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour. However, for intrepid souls with the stomach for it, there is no time limit, as there are hundreds of items to see. The museum shop carries a colorful collection of tees, hoodies, tarot cards, buttons, bandanas and other swag, which could give you a jump start on your Valentine’s Day shopping 😉

FIDM Fashion & Perfume Museum 919 S. Grand Ave. Suite 250 Los Angeles, CA 90015

You’ll find the Annette Green Perfume Archive on the second floor of FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in DTLA. Discover a robust collection of fragrance and beauty objects, from luxuriously packaged Lucien Lelong lipsticks to the suggestive glass bottle of Schiaparelli’s Shocking perfume. The FIDM Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit and fosters student learning, public engagement, and recognition of the creative arts and entertainment industries by providing access to the collections through exhibitions, publications, and other research opportunities.

The Foodie Space Pasadena Museum of California Art 490 Union Street Pasadena, CA 91101

Wait, let me take a pic first! If you’ve ever heard those words or said them yourself before being allowed to dig into your meal, then you’re probably a foodie.The Foodie Space pop up is the serial foodie photo-taker’s wildest dream come true. Imagine colossal glitter fries that you can marry, playing with a giant overflowing noodle bowl of pho, an over-sized tea set mad enough to make Alice jealous, and many more to interact with! Playfully poking fun at society’s obsession with social media and #foodporn, visitors will have a chance to take tons of glorious food pics to their heart’s content. Each interactive exhibit was made by hand by local artists.

Disgusting Food Museum A+D 900 E. 4th St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013

The Disgusting Food Museum is not just an exhibit, but a celebration of food from around the world, highlighting how different cultures may or may not view certain things as disgusting. First displayed in Sweden, the collection of 100 plus foods was conceived and curated by psychologist and innovation researcher, Dr. Samuel West, well-known as “Dr. Failure” after the runaway success of his Museum of Failure. Foodies, travelers, and the just plain curious can explore unfamiliar food creations, smell new and face-cringing aromas and take selfies at the far from usual grand finale tasting bar with select creations to sample! Amazing and bizarre Instagrammable moments are endless!