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Find Your Sweet Spot: DTLA Bakeries & Dessert Shops

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start stocking up on sweet treats. Some of your fave downtown LA bakeries and dessert shops near Circa are already rolling out their festive fare, and taking orders for their most coveted items like pumpkin pies, apple crumble, fruit tarts, and specialty cookies. Whether you’re planning an elegant dessert menu or just want a comfortable cafe to savor a pastry and coffee, we’ve got you covered. From European-inspired patisseries to classic American donut shops – you’ll find your sweet spot in DTLA. Check websites for hours, online ordering, takeout and delivery details.

La Tropézienne Bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

La Tropézienne Bakery 757 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Born and classically trained in France, La Tropézienne Bakery’s founders bring French savoir-faire to DTLA with the traditional taste of classic viennoiseries and pastries. Named after the famous dessert, La Tropézienne, their traditional baked goods are available all day long, including croissants, brioche, pain au chocolat, and original creations such as tasty macarons and a delicious almond and pistachio croissant.

Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles 735 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Amidst skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ historic South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles bakes cupcakes for tourists, residents and office workers alike in this downtown dining destination. Sprinkles offers a variety of sweets perfect for any occasion, including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Handcrafted from artisan ingredients, Sprinkles bakes fresh daily and throughout the day. Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles also offers pickup and delivery.

The Donut Man Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway A-1 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Jim and Miyoko Nakano opened The Donut Man in 1972 on Historic Route 66 in Glendora, California. Now after 48 years of serving the best donuts around, the couple recently opened their newest location at Grand Central Market. Known for its iconic fresh fruit donuts, especially the Fresh Strawberry Donut, The Donut Man has been featured on national media including the Today show and Food Network’s The Best thing I Ever Ate. The same process, ingredients, and standards that made this small town donut shop so popular continues to this day – every donut is cut, shaped, fried, and frosted in front of the customer.

Fat & Flour bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Fat & Flour Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway A-1 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Fat & Flour is a new pie and cookie shop from Los Angeles chef and author Nicole Rucker. Rucker is known internationally for her rustic desserts and has won several awards for her homespun pies, including the 2012 National Pie Championship, KCRW Good Food Pie contest, and a Star Chef award for baking. Her first cookbook, Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers, wss recently nominated for a James Beard Award for baking. Choose from scrumptious delights such as Almond Frangipane, Caramel Pumpkin Slice, Apple Crumble and Chocolate Chess Pie. Order online for same day pick up Wednesday thru Saturday 11am – 5 pm. Pick up location is on Hill St.

Big Sugar Bakeshop near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Big Sugar Bake Shop 612 South Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Big Sugar Bakeshop was founded in 2006 with the desire to be a friendly neighborhood bakery specializing in American-style baked goods and custom cakes. They continue that tradition today, baking everything from scratch using the finest ingredients, such as cage-free eggs, humanely-produced dairy from a local provider, and imported chocolate from Belgium and France. They offer vegan and gluten-free options as well. Looking for a treat with a personal touch? Big Sugar Bakeshop can print and place an edible image on cakes, cookies, and cake pops. You supply a hi res JPEG photo and they do their magic.

Pitchoun Bakery & Café near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pitchoun Bakery & Café 545 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Pitchoun is a family owned French bakery, pastry store and bistro, offering fresh artisan breads and home-made pastries and cakes, along with an array of healthy salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, soups, and more. Using traditional French family recipes, everything is home-made daily from scratch, using house-made starter levain and organic or local ingredients. The flavors are crisp, authentic, and clean, and all products aim for pure simplicity and high quality.

Cafe Dulce bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cafe Dulce ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda Street Unit 150 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Cafe Dulce has expanded to ROW, serving the finest specialty coffees & teas, along with fresh baked goods delivered daily from their original kitchen in Little Tokyo. This local favorite is widely known for its signature hand-crafted beverages including the Vietnamese iced coffee, single origin pourovers, blueberry matcha lattes, and green tea donuts. Stop by to enjoy a little break in your morning or afternoon.

Paris Baguette bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Paris Baguette 902 S Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Paris Baguette is an international, premium bakery-café specializing in a yummy assortment of breads, pastries and cakes baked daily. Their mission is to bring happiness to everyone by adapting to people’s ever-expanding palates with decadent, unique and sophisticated baked goods. They serve a variety of treats ranging from coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, to appetizing snacks, delicious cakes for all occasions, and chef-inspired sandwiches and salads.

Hygge Bakery & Cafe near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hygge Bakery & Cafe 1106 S Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hygge Bakery & Cafe opened their doors to give the bustling city of Los Angeles something it was missing – hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”). Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for an attitude of coziness, wellness and contentment. Hygge Bakery & Cafe takes a nod to this mood with fresh pastries, cakes, coffee, and comfort. Available for takeout and delivery.

Bread Lounge Bakery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bread Lounge Bakery 700 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Since 2010, Bread Lounge has brought the art of baking to the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles. Handcrafted and baked fresh daily, they pride themselves on using only all natural ingredients: water, flour, natural yeast and salt. This European-stye bakery & cafe serves traditional European baked goods along with the flavors of Mediterranean food. Order online for pick up and delivery from their website HERE

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Cafe Dulce

Photo #2: La Tropézienne Bakery

Photo #3: Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles

Photo #4: The Donut Man

Photo #5: Fat & Flour

Photo #6: Big Sugar Bake Shop

Photo #7: Pitchoun Bakery & Café

Photo #8: Cafe Dulce

Photo #9: Paris Baguette

Photo #10: Hygge Bakery & Cafe

Photo #11: Bread Lounge Bakery

Get Your Halloween Scary On

Halloween is always a thrilling time of year, with spooky events and creepy outdoor activities unfolding under the night sky. But this year’s celebration will be even more special, because a blue moon will illuminate the sky on the evening of October 31. Start your spirited adventure with an audio tour of DTLA’s most ghostly buildings. Relish a ghoulish dinner at a haunted Vicitorian mansion or feed your fears at an eerie Halloween food crawl. Discover the traditions of Día de los Muertos as you stroll through Grand Park. Immerse yourself in a multimedia horror show from the safety of your own vehicle. For residents of Circa, there’s no end to the fiendish fun when you get your Halloween scary on.

Secret Los Angeles Haunted Dinner & Cocktail Experience near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Haunted Dinner & Cocktail Experience 1725 N Hudson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Welcome hungry guests! A night of horror awaits you in a graveyard at L.A.’s oldest haunted house. Drop your candy basket at the door and step into this historic, three-story Victorian mansion where you’re promised a thrilling night, Confirm your seat at the dinner table and make your way through various scenes and experiences. There’ll be eerie encounters, with the eyes of demons, vampires, and witches on you at all times. Once you’ve made your way out of the maze of cobwebs and hallways with creaking floors, you’ll be treated to a dinner in a wonderfully macabre outdoor area — a graveyard. The ghostly hosts will feed you a menu that is simply “to die for” so make sure you come with an appetite.

Grand Park Día de los Muertos Altars near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Día de los Muertos Altars Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Experience the traditions of Día de los Muertos as you stroll through 11 altars located throughout Grand Park, curated by Self Help Graphics in collaboration with their Noche de Ofrenda series of programs. The exhibiton includes the annual Community Altar created by Maestra Ofelia Esparza and her family. All personally and culturally relevant to Los Angeles, the 10 main large-scale altar installations represent the losses and causes of this past year. The altars are created by artists and community partners and focus on the youth from the East Los Angeles Women’s Center, and workers and tenants from Community Power Collective.

Haunted Tour of DTLA near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Self Guided Audio Tour of Haunted Downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles has its share of ghost stories. The backdrop of noir novels and real-life crimes, the city’s Beaux Arts buildings have seen their share of chilling events. This Halloween, you can see them for yourself, by taking an immersive, self-guided walking or driving tour of Haunted Los Angeles. When you arrive at each stop on the tour, trigger the audio to hear a bit about the eerie history of the location – and about the ghosts that are said to still haunt the hallways to this day. Words by James Bartlett and narration by Bill Kates.

Stranger Things Drive-In near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Stranger Things Drive-In ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Attention all Stranger Things fans. It’s time to travel back in time to 1985 and become a Hawkins resident – in real life. Adventure calls, so gather your friends and drive to the Starcourt Mall. Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Stranger Things, where you will take part in a drive thru experience like no other. Unlock the story of Hawkins in this unique format as you savor some of the best moments from this Netflix series, and maybe even witness some unforeseen and unusual occurrences.

Makers Mess Halloween Kits near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Makers Mess Halloween Kits ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Halloween is not canceled and Makers Mess has fall kits ready to be picked up. Grab your pumpkin decorating kit and shop their mini pumpkin patch at ROW DTLA. Or just stop by to take a selfie. Makers Mess is a creative art studio that offers art and design classes for all ages. They support artists by cultivating opportunities for them to share their knowledge with individuals, groups and companies.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride 120 Via Verde Dr. San Dimas, CA 91773

This year Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is taking the hayride off the trail and bringing it to you in the safety of your own parked vehicle. A first of its kind immersive experience from the creators of LA’s favorite Halloween event, this is an original haunted show featuring a multimedia story displayed on a 40 foot screen, as well as horrifying sets and characters from Midnight Falls that surround the theater and bring the story to life. Tickets are extremely limited and will sell out nightly.

The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl & Creature Safari near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Bite LA Whittier Narrows 750 S Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733

The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl and Creature Safari snakes its way around eerie Legg Lake and through immersive environments, where sinister specters offer up delicious bites of seasonal grub, all from the safety of your own car. Bites vary from savory to sweet and will include vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options for certain items. Bring a flashlight from home and scan the surrounding darkness from the safety of your car, in a hunt for the shadowy and monstrous creatures that roam the abyss. Can you find them all before they find you?

Pumpkin House at Descanso Gardens near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Halloween at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Throughout the month of October, explore Halloween at Descanso. Guests are invited to safely wind their way through socially-distanced, pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of Descanso Gardens. Highlights include the pumpkin house and hay maze, wooden jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkin arch, and pumpkin mandalas. Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Advance tickets are needed for non-members. Descanso Gardens members can enter anytime.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #2: Secret Los Angeles

Photo #3: Grand Park

Photo #4: Los Angeles Magazine

Photo #5: Stranger Things Drive-In

Photo #6: Makers Mess

Photo #7: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #8: The Bite LA

Photo #9: Descanso Gardens

Treat Yourself to a Gourmet Getaway

Fall is in the air, the grape harvest is underway, and top chefs from Santa Barbara to Sedona are creating seasonal culinary masterpieces. With Palm Springs Modernism Week going virtual this year, getting reservations at your favorite restaurant should be a breeze. Or dine at the The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, sample the seductive flavors of Santa Fe, NM, and cap off a private culinary tour in Las Vegas with a breathtaking helicopter ride. Wherever your appetite leads you, you’ll find endless possibilities for a gourmet getaway just a few hours from Circa. Before you go, check websites for health & safety protocols.

The Lavender Inn & Spa gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Lavender Inn & Spa 210 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

Escape to a one-of-a-kind historic bed & breakfast. Built in 1874, The Lavender Inn is uniquely located in Ojai, across from galleries, shops, and restaurants. Savor a fresh breakfast on the veranda overlooking the inn’s elegant gardens. Or wind down your day with their complimentary nightly wine and nibbles. The innkeepers are happy to assist your gourmet getaway with special requests regarding dietary restrictions – gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan and more. The intimate Lavender Inn is the setting for the innovative Ojai Culinary School, which offers a wide variety of hands-on and demonstration cooking classes, ranging from visiting chefs to local artisanal cooks. Private group classes are available. Call Beth at 805.646.6635 to reserve your group experience.

Los Olivos Refugio Ranch gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Olivos, California

Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend gourmet getaway or fun-filled day. Whether you want award-winning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, shopping, art galleries, or renting bicycles to take in the sights, there’s something for everyone. Now is the ideal time to visit Los Olivos – along with perfect weather and slightly shorter days, the Annual Scarecrow Fest is happening for the month of October, with 21 wineries and retail establishments participating.

Rancho Sisquoc Winery gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

Home to some of the oldest and most popular wineries in Santa Barbara County. the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail represents, supports and promotes 14 wineries and tasting rooms along Foxen Canyon Road. This 30 mile road winds from Los Olivos to Santa Maria, stretching north and winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards. Along the way, you’ll discover a diverse selection of highly-rated, world class wines on the tasting menus. Most wineries offer picnicking space, so pack some snacks and spend the day (or weekend!) discovering this spectacular region.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Travel back in time to a place of old Hollywood glamor. The Willows Inn is the perfect escape, known for its privacy, elegance, luxury, and fascinating history. In fact, the Willows’ most legendary guest was neither politician nor movie star – he was simply a genius – Dr. Albert Einstein. The Willows is moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs, yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Complimentary amenities include an evening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and a full three-course gourmet breakfast served in the dining room and adjoining veranda overlooking a 50-foot waterfall. A variety of fresh fruit is available daily, and seasonal treats, such as dates and nuts, are presented at check-in. Visit Palm Springs has more gourmet getaway ideas HERE

The Lodge at Torrey Pines gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Lodge at Torrey Pines 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is an award-winning luxury resort set atop the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla, with stunning views of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is modeled after the famed Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena – two of the finest examples of early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture. Dedication to the California spirit is evident throughout the food and beverage program, with special attention to locally sourced ingredients as well as regional wine and beer selections, for the perfect gourmet getaway. The Lodge’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, highlights regional cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Jackson. Guests can safely dine outside on the terrace with while watching the stunning sunset over the Pacific.

L'Auberge de Sedona gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

L’Auberge de Sedona 301 L’Auberge Lane Sedona, AZ 86336

One of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Top 20 Hotels in The Southwest and West, L’Auberge de Sedona is perfectly nestled under a canopy of sycamore trees within Sedona’s majestic Red Rock country. Every cottage, suite, and room accentuates different different aspects of the property – such as the views, the spa or creek – and takes inspiration from the resort’s location along tranquil Oak Creek. A perfect complement to the property’s natural beauty is L’Auberge de Sedona’s culinary program, which features everything from nationally recognized fine dining to naturally immersive creekside fare. Executive Chef Franck Desplechin reflects the spirit of fine dining in Sedona by crafting dishes with local roots and global depth, while Executive Pastry Chef Morgan Gurney creates seasonally inspired desserts. More ideas for your gourmet getaway in Sedona HERE

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado 198 NM-592, Santa Fe, NM 87506

The enticing scent of piñon woodsmoke fills the air as you step onto your private patio at sunset. Set on 57 rolling acres in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe’s shops and galleries, Rancho Encantado is undeniably exceptional. The flavors of northern New Mexico are on full display at their signature fine-dining restaurant, Terra, helmed by Chef Kai Autenrieth. Santa Fe may have the reputation as an art town, but it’s really all about the food. There are more restaurants per capita here than many major cities, with a wide variety of cuisines, but the signature flavor is Southwestern. New Mexican food is its own special entity—a mixture of native ingredients, Spanish recipes, and the distinctively smoky red and green chiles grown in the southern part of the state. Travel & Leisure has a great guide to the best of Santa Fe dining HERE

ARIA Resort & Casino gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Las Vegas Private Culinary Tour

ARIA Resort & Casino is offering a glamorous, private culinary experience for a gourmet getaway in Las Vegas. This 2-hour prime-time tour leads you to three critically acclaimed restaurants located within the ARIA resort, such as Bardot Brasserie, classic French fare served by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina; Carbone, a reimagined old-world Italian-American restaurant; and Catch, the boss of vibe dining featuring impeccable seafood dishes with global influences. When the culinary tour concludes, for an optional upgrade, a luxurious custom limo coach will ferry you to Maverick Helicopters for a Champagne toast, followed by a helicopter tour of the Strip at night. Afterward, the limo coach will return you to your hotel, leaving you with the memory of the ultimate night out in Vegas.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel gourmet getaway near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

Woven into Orange County’s Dana Point community, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel fuses modern luxury with playful creativity, along with direct access to the ocean and opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. Indulge in a private chef dining experience in secluded luxury at the hotel’s Raya restaurant. Every amenity of this unique gem-box-shaped room is carefully considered, including blue ice shirred wall surfaces, mother-of-pearl Italian glass tile work, custom refrigerated wine cabinets, hand-made wool and silk area rugs, and contemporary Swarovski crystal chandeliers. For additional information, please connect with Meetings & Special Events via email. frances.viray@ritzcarlton.com

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Photo #2: The Lavender Inn & Spa

Photo #3: Los Olivos/Refugio Ranch

Photo #4: Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Photo #5: The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn

Photo #6: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Photo #7: L’Auberge de Sedona

Photo #8: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Photo #9: ARIA Resort & Casino

Photo #10: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Oktoberfest is Here & DTLA Breweries are Open

Just in time for Oktoberfest, LA County is allowing breweries to reopen, albeit with some new rules. Your favorite DTLA establishments are celebrating Oktoberfest with some outdoor Gemütlichkeit (German for a comfortable, friendly feeling). Check websites for openings hours, reservations, and takeout/delivery options. If you’re looking for the full on oom-pah-pah experience, head out to Old World Village in Huntington Beach or motor up to Big Bear Lake for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest. You can also stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home from Alpine Village Market in Torrance, just a short distance from Circa. So don your dirndls, lace your lederhosen, and hoist your beer steins! Oktoberfest is here and DTLA breweries are back.

Wurstküche DTLA near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Wurstküche DTLA 800 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Soak up the Oktoberfest zeitgeist in the Wurstküche Beer Garden. Known as a purveyor of rare and exotic grilled sausages – from rabbit to rattleshake – this popular joint also offers more mainstream meats such as bratwurst, bockwurst, hot Italian sausage, Polish kielbasa, and Louisana hot links. Expect an extensive selection of draft and bottle beers from Belgium, Germany, US and UK, along with a nice wine list. For s apecial treat, try a palate-cleansing, digestion-promoting Eaux de Vie, such as the German favorite Underberg, or some fruitier fixes such as Blume Marillen Apricot, Kirschwasser (dry cherry bfandy) or Pear Williams Purkhart.

Highland Park Brewery Chinatown near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Highland Park Brewery Chinatown 1220 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown is open for patio dining. HPB, as the brewery is affectionately known, was founded with the goal of making excellent beer in LA, focusing on fresh hoppy beers, lagers, and mixed culture fermentation, using local ingredients. HPB offers a robust, beer-friendly food menu including queso and chips, fried cheese curds, and a sausage plate with chorizo, salsa verde and focaccia. The tasting room is currently closed, but the brewery has expanded their delivery zones.

Frogtown Brewery near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Frogtown Brewery 2931 Gilroy St. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Frogtown Brewery is getting ready to open their outdoor patio. Check their Instagram for details. An independent craft brewery and tap room along the L.A. River, Frogtown Brewery is owned by long time friends and home brewers Adam and Mike, who had the crazy dream to one day open their own brewery. After many years of hard work and planning, they finally made Frogtown Brewery a reality! They are offering some fun flavors, such as Painkiller Milkshake and Nebula Fog, for pick up at the brewery or delivery within a 10-mile radius.

Arts District Brewing Company near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Arts District Brewing Company 828 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Arts District Brewing Company just spruced up their outdoor dining area with a fresh carpet of grass. One of LA’s few craft brewpubs with an on-site, 15-barrel brewhouse capable of producing 3,300 barrels of beer each year, this sprawling establishment opened December 2015 in DTLA’s historic Arts District. Choose from their curated craft beer list, which is updated on a regular basis. The hearty food menu offers a beer-appropriate selection of wings, burgers, fries, salads, fried calamari, fish tacos, and nachos. Pictured is Nic, the newest team member. Stop by and say hi.

Berlin Currywurst near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Berlin Currywurst Grand Central Market 317 Broadway Stall C-1/12 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ich bin ein Berliner. Having grown up in the home country of currywurst, the founders of Berlin Currywurst decided to share this German cultural treasure with the people of LA. Created 60 years ago in Berlin, currywurst has become the number one street food in Germany. Berlin Currywurst does authentic currywurst, the way you’ll find it on Berlin’s urban sidewalks. Their recipe is steeped in German tradition, where you’ll discover an unlimited variety of combinations by experiencing different sausages, heat levels, and flavors. The meat is all-natural, serve with 100% organic sauce, fries handcut from organic potatoes, and fresh and crispy German farmer’s bread.

Old World Village near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Old World Oktoberfest Old World Village 7561 Center Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Old World Huntington Beach has been host of Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977. When you attend Old World’s Oktoberfest this year, you’ll be welcomed to a new concept – a casual drinking and dining experience in their spacious outdoor patio and biergarten. Enjoy the sounds of German music, great food, and of course, imported beer. Guests will order from the front counter and wait for their food at the table of their choice located outside. Table reservations are required and masks are mandatory upon entry and at all times when not seated at your designated area.

Dirndl Haus near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Dirndl Haus 7561 Center Ave. Ste #51A Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Get ready to level up your Oktoberfest game at the Dirndl Haus. Founded in September 2018 by two best friends, Cyndie and Arpeni, the Dirndl Haus sells trendy and traditional dirndl dresses and blouses, lederhosen, mens shirts and vests, and accessories including hats, hat pins, wreaths and jewelry. Dirndl Haus is an extension of the greater Old World Market and Oktoberfest Facility. Co-founder Cyndie’s parents Josef and Dolores Bischof, originally from Germany, founded Orange County’s famous Old World Village in 1975, along with Huntington Beach Oktoberfest, enjoyed by thousands of attendees each year.You can also shop online on their website.

Alpine Village Market near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Alpine Village Market 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502

Ready to stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home? Just scoot down the 110 Freeway and faster than you can say oom-pah-pah, you’ll arrive at Alpine Village Market in Torrance. The market offers a huge selection of German food imports, and also houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop that produces award-winning sausages, and a great selection of beers, wines and liquors such as Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside. While you’re there, take a stroll around Alpine Village, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California. This iconic shopping destination was recently designated a County historic landmark by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

If you’re looking for a real Alpine experience, head up to Big Bear for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest – Celebrating 50 Years of Love. This year Oktoberfest will take place outdoors under the majestic mountain pines. Seating and tables will be set-up restaurant-style in their expansive outdoor area, all socially distanced from one another. Expect some zany Oktoberfest fun including Log Sawing, Stein, Safe Slam contests, plenty of Chicken Dances and many a Prosits! Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, along with DJ’s spinning everything from traditional Oktoberfest tunes to today’s favorites.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Old World Village

Photo #2: Wurstküche DTLA

Photo #3: Highland Park Brewery Chinatown

Photo #4: Frogtown Brewery

Photo #5: Arts District Brewing Company

Photo #6: Berlin Currywurst

Photo #7: Old World Village

Photo #8: Dirndl Haus

Photo #9: Alpine Village Market

Photo #10: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Digital Productivity Tools For Working At Home

Working from home at Circa has its perks. No more morning commutes. You can play your own music whenever you want, and sneak off for Netflix breaks in between Zoom calls. Professional wardrobe is optional and snacks are de rigueur. But we humans also long for structure, to give form and function to our days, and reward us when our work is done. HERE are some great ideas from Wired to help you with your work at home lifestyle. Even if you’re not working from home, you can boost your efficiency, stay focused, and have some fun with these digital productivity tools & tips.

Venture Harbour UK technology company - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Serene

Don’t let distractions hold you back! Serene is a macOS app that gives you productivity superpowers by layering three proven techniques to boost focus. When you enter a session, Serene shields you from distractions by blocking distracting apps & websites. Serene can also silence your phone, control Philips Hue lights, update your Slack status and more, to help you create your optimal deep work environment. Serene was created by Venture Harbour, one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology companies, achieving 22nd in the 2019 Deloitte Technology Fast 50.

Forest

Grow your own forest, stay focused daily, and turn hard work into a lush woodland. Forest is a productivity app that helps people beat their phone addiction and manage their time in a way that’s good for the environment. Users can earn credits by not using their cell phones and plant real trees around the world with the credits. Forest team partners with a tree-planting organization, Trees for the Future, to plant real trees on Earth. When users spend virtual coins they earn in Forest on planting real trees, Forest team donates to their partner and creates planting orders. To date, Forest has planted 877,750 trees. Visit their sponsor page HERE

iPassword app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

1Password

Spending more time online means more passwords. If you’re having trouble keeping track, you need a password manager. 1Password is the easiest way to store and use strong passwords by allowing you to keep all your passwords in one encrypted database – protected by one password. This saves you time when you forget your passwords and need to retrieve them, and also allows you to use various passwords for different accounts so you don’t compromise on security. You can also use 1Password to safely make payments online. More info HERE

Quip

Keep your business running securely while working from home. Quip is Salesforce’s productivity platform that combines collaborative documents, spreadsheets, and chat in one place so distributed teams can work together seamlessly. Quip replace email and information silos with real-time productivity tools that connect teams and accelerate the pace of business. Even if you aren’t in the same place, you can stay on the same page. Quip is secure out-of-the-box – all your data is encrypted, auditable, and controlled. Quip offers tutorials to get you started, and customizable templates to meet your specific needs. Quip is available online or as an app.

Slack

Slack brings the team together, wherever you are, by bringing all your communication together. Teamwork in Slack happens in channels — a single place for messaging, tools and files — helping everyone save time and collaborate together. With all of your communication and tools in one place, remote teams will stay productive no matter where you’re working from. You can hit deadlines, review documents, make comments and generate approvals. Slack is available for desktop and mobile. Here’s a useful guide for anyone new to Slack. Slack also provides great tips for working at home.

Micosoft To Do app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Microsoft To Do: Lists Tasks & Reminders

Got something on your mind? Get Microsoft To Do. Whether you want to increase your productivity, decrease your stress levels, or just free up some mental space, Microsoft To Do makes it easy to plan your day and manage your life. With Microsoft To Do, you can stay focused with My Day, a personalized daily planner with suggested tasks; get your lists anywhere, on any device; share lists and assign tasks with your friends, family, colleagues, and classmates; personalize your lists with bold and colorful backgrounds; and much more.

WhatsApp

Keep in touch with the groups of people that matter the most, like your family or coworkers. With group chats, you can share messages, photos, and videos with up to 256 people at once. You can also name your group, mute or customize notifications, and more. WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection to send messages so you can avoid SMS fees. WhatsApp messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no third party including WhatsApp can read or listen to them. WhatsApp just introduced new business features with QR codes to make it easier to start a chat with a business and catalog what they have to offer.

Webex app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Cisco WebEx Meetings

Looking for an alternative to Zoom? Video conferencing is as simple and seamless as meeting in person. With the WebEx mobile app, you can meet absolutely anywhere. Hosting is easy and joining is easier—simply click on your link to join. You can even learn about the people you’re meeting for the first time, with instant access to participants’ background and company. You can share your screen so everyone can view your document, spreadsheet, or application. Hosts can record the meeting so others can get up to speed later. Everyone you invite can join your online meeting no matter how they’re connecting, even guests.

Trello

Trello is a simple, easy-to-use project management app for collaborative teams. The platform is based on the Kanban board philosophy, a visual layout that originates from Japan. Essentially, tasks are added and organized on “to-do,” “going” and “done” statuses, which helps teams keep track of progress. Tasks can be grouped into boards and cards, which can contain multiple tasks in themselves. Individual tasks can be assigned to groups or team members with deadlines and checklists.

Airtable

Part spreadsheet, part database, and entirely flexible, Airtable allows teams to organize their work, their way. Airtable is built around the spreadsheet format and this is great news if your team is used to managing projects on tools like Excel. Airtable’s interface operates like a spreadsheet, but it’s far more intuitive and includes all kinds of functionality that’s either not available in Excel or more complex. Airtable Blocks give you a creative palette of app-like functionality that you can mix and match to create the perfect workflow for your team. Airtable also provides templates to get you and your team started.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DoLA

Photo #2: Venture Harbour

Photo #3: Forest

Photo #4: IPassword

Photo #5: Quip

Photo #6: Slack

Photo #7: Microsoft To Do

Photo #8: WhatsApp

Photo #9: Cisco WebEx Meetings

Photo #10: Trello

Photo #11: Airtable

Arts & Crafts Shops in Downtown LA

Fall is in the air and the holidays are around the corner. Time to get crafty with fun DIY projects and festive seasonal decor to animate your home and energize your routine. Try your hand at ceramics. Go crazy for quilting. Experiment with paper mache, learn origami, or even make your own soap and candles. Grab a sketch pad and jot down whatever inspires you. DTLA is a creative hub for artists, artisans and makers of all persuasions, and arts & craft resources abound near Circa. Check websites for store hours, curbside pick up and delivery options.

Still Life Ceramics near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Still Life Ceramics ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St #198 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Learn ceramics skills from the masters! Still Life Studio’s outdoor ceramics classes are being held through September on ROW DTLA’s M2 Deck. Ana Henton and Mel Keedle are co-founders of Still Life Ceramics in Downtown Los Angeles and Still Life Studio in Santa Monica. Still Life Ceramics is a boutique production studio and workshop that generates a production line of functional housewares and a yearly art collection. Have fun creating your own pottery and gain inspiring insights about form, color and functionality. Check their workshop schedule HERE

Raw Materials Art Supplies near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Raw Materials Art Supplies 645 S Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Raw Materials Art Supplies is an independent art supply store in the heart Downtown Los Angeles. Hunkered down in a bright, minimalist space, Raw Materials stocks thousands of art supplies, tools, and materials at every-day low prices, including many top brands of paints, stretched canvas, and brushes. They are open for curbside pickup and local delivery, but not in-store shopping. Place your order online and they will contact you when it is ready.

The Original Los Angeles Flower Market near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

The Original Los Angeles Flower Market 754 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in the heart of the Los Angeles Flower District, The Original Los Angeles Flower Market is an expansive indoor floral marketplace that’s open to both the trade and the general public. Virtually every in-season, commercially sold variety of cut flower is available from growers all over the globe. You’ll also find everything from balloons to baskets and decor items to add that perfect accent piece. See hours of operation for more information.

Moskatels near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Moskatels 733 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in The Original Flower Market, Moskatels is a vast warehouse store offering a large variety of art supplies, crafting materials & party decorations. Moskatels has been a division of Michaels Arts & Crafts since 1987 and they carry some of the same products as the Michaels Craft Stores, They also offer an array of artificial flowers, floral supplies, framing, ceramic vases, woven baskets, accent pieces, and holiday-themed items.

Artist & Craftsman Supply near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Artist & Craftsman Supply 1917-1921 E 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90021

An employee-owned company, Artist & Craftsman Supply has been providing artists and crafters with excellent materials at competitive prices since first opening in Yarmouth, Maine in 1985. Shop for everything from paint to paper mache, and supplies for beading, jewelry, candle making, soap making, stencils and more. Call ahead for store hours (213) 955-9055.

Architect's Corner near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Architect’s Corner 1324 S Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Architects Corner is an architectural modeling supply store serving professionals, academics and consumers. They carry a wide array of art and hobby supplies and tools to meet the needs of all types of artists from traditional to digital. You’ll also find an an impressive selection of architecture books that will look great on your Zoom background bookshelf.

Fabric Hotel near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Fabric Hotel 848 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Fabric Hotel is a family owned and operated fabric store and quilt shop in downtown Los Angeles. With 25 years of experience in local and global sourcing, they have picked the best connections and importers in the industry to select fabrics that are high quality and affordable. Offerings include a wide variety of 100% cotton prints for quilting and craft, along with batik, polar fleece print, flannel, velvet, fashion fabric, and more. Online orders are processed in 1-2 business days.

Throw Clay LA 1006 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Throw Clay LA is a space to learn, inspire and create the art and craft of pottery. From the novice looking to throw their first pot, to the experienced hobbyist hoping to create a complete set of dinnerware, and on to the advanced potter intending to open their first Etsy shop, Throw Clay LA exists to encourage the creative spirit. Founded by potter John Prescott, their vision is to offer a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood studio – a creative way to get out and get involved with friends, neighbors and co-workers. Pottery is an art form in which you see immediate results. Beginners successfully craft their own dish-ware, cactus planters, or handmade gifts. Advanced potters demonstrate and share further skills while exploring artistic possibilities with their monthly membership.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Still Life Ceramics

Photo #2: Still Life Ceramics

Photo #3: Raw Materials Art Supplies

Photo #4: The Original Los Angeles Flower Market

Photo #5: Moskatels

Photo #6: Artist & Craftsman Supply

Photo #7: Architect’s Corner

Photo #8: Fabric Hotel

Photo #9: Throw Clay LA

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

Discover LA’s Amazing Murals & Street Art

Los Angeles is renowned as one of the most exciting places in the world for street art. Incredible murals and art walls appear all around the city, and many have become permanent, treasured fixtures. Artists have found their canvas on buildings, walls, freeway barriers, and even LA River storm drains, enriching our public art scene and attracting street art fans from around the world. Many of the most significant artworks are in Downtown Los Angeles near Circa. Whether you’re an art lover looking for new neighborhoods to explore or just want to snap some fresh content for your social feed, get out there and discover LA’s amazing murals and street art.

Kobe Bryant Murals

The City of Los Angeles recently came out in droves to pay their respects to sports legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant on Kobe Bryant Day August 24, 2020. Figueroa St. between Olympic and MLK will soon be Kobe Bryant Blvd. In celebration of his life, there are dozens of amazing Kobe Bryant murals located in Downtown Los Angeles and the Arts District near Staples Center. You can view a MAP of all Kobe mural locations and follow along at Instagram.com/KobeMural Pictured: Mural by Los Angeles-based visual artist AISEBORN at 1348 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Kobe Mural by Jonas Never 1337 Lebanon St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nearby the Staples Center, Los Angeles sports muralist Jonas Never created a Kobe Bryant mural to honor the star’s NBA career in 2016. Following the news of the accident, fans gathered at the Downtown Los Angeles mural along the 1300 block of Lebanon Street. Hundreds of people have written down their tributes on post-its and hung them bellow the iconic mural. The artwork features Kobe doing his iconic Mamba yell along with “Los Angeles Culture” styled as the Lakers’ logo.

Kent Twitchell Ed Ruscha Monument American Hotel 303 S. Hewitt St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

A veritable legend in the L.A. mural scene is Kent Twitchell, who is internationally famous for his realistic multi-storied mural portraits. He’s been painting across the city for decades, although some of his most beloved pieces have been erased over the years, such as his original portrait of the artist Ed Ruscha. Fortunately, Twitchell had the chance to do an updated version of Ed Ruscha Monument on the side of the American Hotel in the Arts District. One of his moet iconic works, Harbor Freeway Overture, a depiction of three Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra musicians, is located on the Citiicorp Plaza parking structure at 8th St. and the Harbor Freeway.

Street Art @The Bloc 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Explore the street art at The Bloc while social distancing and rocking your masks. You’ll have plenty of great opportunities to perk up your social media feed as you pose with colorful murals featuring the work of WRDSMTH, Antigirl, Colette Miller, and more. Hashtag #bestofdtla to enter-to-win a $1,000 giveaway! Pictured is a dramatic 30-foot mural by Robert Vargas with photo by @vero.parga

Arts District Dog Park 1004 E 4th Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here’s the chance to see some amazing LA murals while taking your pooch on a well-deserved trip to the park. True to its creative surroundings, The Arts District Dog Park is punctuated with colorful murals by LA artist Septerhed. Featured on ABC7 LA, KTLA, WKBW Buffalo, and more, Septerhead is an LA-based artist specializing in murals, illustrations, paintings, live painting and other wave lengths. The park includes a dog water fountain, separate small dog area, shade trees, benches for humans, a community bulletin board, pooper-scoopers, and trash bins. Not run or supported by the City of Los Angeles, this volunteer-run park is a true example of community spirit.

Leo Limón LA River Catz

For 35 plus years East LA-born artist Leo Limón has been painting the Los Angeles River cat faces on the storm-drain covers in a beloved project known as the LA River Catz. In the 70s, Limón developed an interest in the arts and discovered a prime, neglected canvas in the L.A. River’s storm drains. His detailed paintings of cat faces represent his love for the unique flora and fauna of our urban river. With help from the city, Leo hired youth from different high schools, not only working with them to paint over 30 feline faces, but also working to reduce violence and other challenges facing his young assistants. Cats were chosen because the storm drains themselves look like a cat\’s face with the sealing hinges appearing as pointy ears and the doors themselves being a circular shape like a face. Limon is involved with groups whose efforts are to revive the Los Angeles River as a historic region, cultural art enclave and tourist destination.

Guide to LA Arts District Murals

Discover Los Angeles has a great guide to the Downtown LA Arts District Murals. Please note that the walls are in a constant state of flux and some artworks are more permanent than others. Murals give way to the elements, their colors fading with time. Some are obliterated as walls are taken over by new artists. The Arts District you see when you visit one summer may not be the one you see the following year. The lesson here is to always take photos! Pictured is Bloom by Hueman, an Oakland based painter and street artist.

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA) was created by a coalition of artists, public art advocates, city of Los Angeles and state of California public officials, and restoration specialists. MCLA built long-term programs to retain mural arts as a part of Los Angeles’ cultural legacy and establish murals as a significant part of our city’s cultural heritage. MCLA maintains a free database of Los Angeles’ Mural History linking artists, murals and neighborhoods. The MCLA website allows submissions of murals created recently in Los Angeles, forming an ever growing archive joining the historic with the new. Pictured is a mural by Vyal at The Container Yard arts center 800 East 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Vyal is one of the most identifiable graffiti artists on the West Coast.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Harbor Freeway Overture/Kent Twitchell

Photo #2: Kobe Mural/AISEBORN

Photo #3: Kobe Mural/Jonas Never

Photo #4: Kent Twitchell/Ed Ruscha Monument

Photo #5: The Bloc/Photo cred: @vero.parga Mural by: @therobertvargas

Photo #6: Arts District Dog Park/Septerhed

Photo #7: Leo Limón LA River Catz

Photo #8: Bloom by Hueman/Discover Los Angeles

Photo #9: MCLA/Vyal/The Container Yard

Explore Beautiful Botanical Gardens

Looking for a refreshing respite from the summer heat? The Los Angeles area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, many just a short distance from Circa apartments. These foliage-filled natural retreats present a vast array of native flora and fauna, as well as spectacular species from all corners of the globe. You might just meet a peacock, commune with the koi, or even encounter a resident turtle! Some botanical gardens require advance ticket purchase – check their websites for details. Watch for visitor guidelines at all locations.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

Arlington Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden, Arlington Garden is a three- acre community-built Mediterranean garden in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land. The site is leased to the City of Pasadena and entrusted by the city to Arlington Garden in Pasadena, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, orchards of orange and olive trees, and many more species. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also serves as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. Arlington Garden is open every day except Tuesday. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden UCLA 707 Tiverton Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a living museum that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

South Coast Botanic Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Unique from the start, South Coast Botanic Garden is one of the world’s first botanical gardens to be developed as a masterpiece of creative land reclamation and environment improvement. The mission of South Coast Botanic Garden is to serve the community by providing a unique horticultural and wildlife habitat experience, and to represent a model of excellence for land reclamation and sustainability. This continuing experiment in land reclamation has drawn horticulturists from all over the world, including Prince Charles of England, to study the feasibility of similar projects. Today the garden is host to over 200,000 plants, and numerous wildlife residents, including hedgehogs and peafowl.

Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

The Exposition Park Rose Garden is a historic 7-acre sunken garden located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles. It has been called “one of the city’s best-kept secrets” and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. You’ll discover green spaces scattered around the USC-adjacent property, but the most charming section lies in the lovely Rose Garden.

Huntington Botanical Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

Huntington Botanical Gardens is offering Huntington Evening Strolls! Beat the heat of the day and enjoy a leisurely evening walk through the gardens Friday – Sunday from 4:30–7 p.m. through Labor day. Advance tickets are required. 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 Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden and more. The Huntington has reopened most of its 130 acres of gardens, with new safety measures in place, but the galleries remain closed. All visitors, including Members must reserve tickets online in advance.

LA Arboretum near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was once the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. Did you know The Arboretum is also an official wildlife sanctuary? In addition to the famous peafowl, visitors will see species of resident and migratory birds, aquatic creatures, and numerous species of small reptiles and mammals. Tickets are now limited to preserve safe distancing and all indoor spaces are closed. Members are required to reserve free tickets. Non-members must buy advance tickets online to ensure entry.

Descanso Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays, located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest collections of camellias in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. Members can enter without an advance ticket, but visitors who are not members and guests not covered under a membership will need advance tickets with timed entry.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #2: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #3: Arlington Garden in Pasadena

Photo #4: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #5: Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Photo #6: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #7: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Descanso Gardens

Enjoy Elegant Outdoor Dining in Downtown Los Angeles

Summer weather beckons with sunny days and starry nights! Your favorite Downtown Los Angeles restaurants near Circa are answering the call, expanding their patio seating, adding street side tables, and even commandeering alleys and parking lots, so you can enjoy elegant outdoor dining. Did you know there’s a new “European Corner” at 6th & Los Angeles Streets? Mignon has teamed up with their neighbors L’APPART restaurant and Cento Pasta Bar to bring you more outdoor seating and more culinary choices!

From luxury hotel rooftops with breathtaking views, to charming garden patios, and lively street side seating, there’s a table waiting for you! Check their websites for hours, reservations and takeout/delivery options.

Mignon outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Mignon 128 E. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon is teaming up with L’APPART restaurant to bring you more outdoor seating and more culinary choices. You can enjoy alfresco dining in front of either restaurant and receive both menus. They are also collaborating with Cento Pasta Bar, who is back in action across the street at JJ’s. True to its name (mignon roughly translates to “small and cute” in French), Mignon specializes in small production, offering natural wines from all over the globe with an emphasis on the Old World. They also serve seasonal, rustic French cuisine, including a three-course pre-fixe option, small plates, and fine artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The space is also a retail shop, so make sure you grab some bottles for your home cellar.

L'APPART by AIR FOOD outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

L’APPART by AIR FOOD 130 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

L’APPART by AIR FOOD will make you feel that you flew straight to Paris where you’ll enjoy an exclusive French culinary experience. Created by two passionate visionaries, Marc and Thierry, L’APPART by AIR FOOD takes your tastebuds through a miraculous journey from traditional French cuisine to French & World Fusion from Europe, Middle East, Africa, and North America.

Cento Pasta Bar outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cento Pasta Bar @JJ’s Sandwich Shop 119 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon Wine Bar becomes this handmade pasta bar at lunchtime several days a week. You can buy takeout pastas from Cento, walk across the street to Mignon, purchase a glass or bottle of wine, and enjoy your food al fresco. In 2015, long-time friends Avner Levi and Santos Uy opened Cento Pasta Bar as a lunch residency at Santos’ downtown wine bar, Mignon. Cento is inspired by Avner’s desire to share his experiences with the people around him through cooking. At Cento, Avner is responsible for all facets of the kitchen, including menu design and development, bringing his philosophy of thoughtful, seasonal ingredients to every dish with an element of fun.

Strada Eateria & Bar outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Strada Eateria & Bar 825 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

A new spot in Downtown LA near Staples Center, Strada Eateria & Bar presents world flavors made with local ingredients.. The eclectic menu includes ceviche, lobster ravioli, and an ahi tuna steak burger, along with a full bar. Strada is now offering al fresco dining with sidewalk seating on W. 9th St. Complimentary parking. Reservations are recommended.

Faith & Flower outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Faith & Flower is open for patio dining. Located in the Watermarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district, the name Faith & Flower pays homage to the two major Renaissance periods – the 1920s and modern day – that have fundamentally shaped the Downtown Los Angeles community. “Flower” refers to the street on which the restaurant lies today, and “Faith” for the street’s alleged name during the early 1920s. 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. Reservations are highly recommended. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Bestis outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia is now accepting reservations for outdoor dining. Their menu is also available for takeout. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the menu features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito!

Redbird outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Redbird is open with three different outdoor dining options! In addition to the Redbird Courtyard, they’ve created two new open air dining rooms: the Redbird Garden and the Lounge on the Vibiana Courtyard. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser feature Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles.

Perch outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. Their 15th floor outdoor patios and 16th floor rooftop are now open for outdoor dining. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, rooftop fire pits, indoor and outdoor dining experiences, and lounge seating to experience the city skyline views. Perch executive Chef Gerardo Benitez has created a playful menu inspired by French culinary classics utilizing the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Pick up and delivery is also available.

Broken Shaker outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Broken Shaker Freehand Hotel 416 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on the Freehand Hotel rooftop pool deck, offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city.

Rossoblu outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Rossoblu tells the story of the two places Chef Steve Samson considers home – Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The restaurant is an homage to Samson’s heritiage, inspired by childhood memories spent in Bologna and its surrounding region, Emilia Romagna. Rossoblu features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals. At its core, Rossoblu is a true family-owned and operated restaurant, with Steve’s wife Dina helming the operations and long time friend and partner Hans Luttmann leading a team that has become family. Rossoblu is open for al fresco dining, takeout and delivery.

Veranda Al Fresco outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Veranda Al Fresco Hotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Chef Adrian Garcia is serving up an authentic Mexico City-inspired menu, befitting the tropical vibe at Veranda Al Fresco, DTLA’s urban oasis at Hotel Figueroa. Savor a tasty, simple street taco menu paired with a great selection of cocktails. Veranda Al Fresco is open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-7pm. Salud y buen provecho!

Manuela outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Manuela is excited to welcome guests back to dine in their spacious outdoor patio. Located in the DTLA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish, and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program, which serves classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid at the heart of Manuela’s menu.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Rossoblu

Photo #2: Mignon

Photo #3: L’APPART by AIR FOOD

Photo #4: Cento Pasta Bar

Photo #5: Strada Eateria & Bar

Photo #6: Faith & Flower

Photo #7: Bestia

Photo #8: Reedbird

Photo #9: Perch

Photo #10: Broker Shaker

Photo #11: Rossoblu

Photo #12: Veranda Al Fresco

Photo #13: Manuela