Tag: luxuryamenities

March is National Noodle Month: Taste DTLA’s Best Bowls

March is National Noodle Month, a celebration of one of the world’s most popular foods. And if you crave these delectable dishes as much as we do, there’s no question that DTLA is a noodle lovers paradise. While Little Tokyo is the obvious downtown destination for authentic Japanese ramen, don’t overlook Chinatown, Grand Central Market, or other local neighborhoods, many conveniently close to Circa. And catering to the health-conscious crowd, a number of restaurants offer vegan, gluten-free and macrobiotic options. If you want to dive deeper into the world of ramen, Japan House is presenting an immersive exhibition, The Art of the Ramen Bowl, opening on March 18.

Japan House near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Art of the Ramen Bowl Japan House 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Level 2 Los Angeles, CA 90028

This exhibition spotlights imaginative porcelain ramen bowls and spoons designed by 30 world-renowned artists. Seen for the first time outside of Japan, the exhibition includes a giant ramen bowl created by well-known Japanese plastic food sample manufacturer Iwasaki Mokei, and an introduction to the noodle dish itself and to ceramics from Mino, a major Japanese ceramics center for over 500 years. The fully immersive experience includes programs such as special ramen pop-ups in the Japan House restaurant space, films, and educational webinars.

DTLA Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Ramen 952 S Broadway Los Angeles CA 90015

DTLA Ramen offers Japanese ramen with a modern California spin. You have a choice of broth for your ramen, including pork, chicken, vegetarian, soy milk, and 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. 

Ramen Hood near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Ramen Hood is a chef-driven destination 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. 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, which is spherified and placed it in the center of the white so that the yolk pops just like the real thing.

Ochoron Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Ochoron Ramen 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 303 Los Angeles, CA 90012

One of the oldest running ramen shops in LA, Orochon is famous for their incredibly spicy ramen competition that gives a special designation for people who can finish it within 30 minutes. Not so spicy menu items are offered as well, including appetizers, dumplings and teriyaki dishes.

9th St Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

9th St Ramen 111 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

This modern Japanese restaurant features big hearty bowls of ramen and a rotating collection of Japanese specialties including tsukune from a robata, enoki mushroom tempura, albacore donburi, spicy lamb ramen, and charcoal-grilled chicken tori paitan ramen. The noodles are made from toasted wheat and rye flour. They also offer a selection of natural wine and sake.

AFURI Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

AFURI Ramen LA 688 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Tokyo’s famous Afuri recently opened in DTLA after initially expanding to the Portland, Oregon area. The menu centers around their signature bowl of Yuzu Shio ramen – a light, delicate broth built upon a reduction made from local chicken, dry fish”niboshi” “katsuobushi”, dry konbu seaweed, and vegetables to produce a layer of umami flavors, and hints of refreshing yuzu citrus. The kitchen uses the same techniques employed in their central kitchen at the foot of Afuri mountain in Japan.

JINYA Ramen Bar near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

JINYA Ramen Bar 700 Wilshire Blvd Suite B Los Angeles, CA 90017

Anyone from Japan can tell you the two key ingredients in ramen are the broth and the noodle, and JINYA Ramen Bar works hard to ensure that both take center stage. Slowly simmered for more than twenty hours, each of their six signature broths balances flavors from whole pork bones, chicken and vegetables with just the right amount of bonito, dashi, miso, kombu, and other classic Japanese ingredients. The result is a rich broth that is thick and full-flavored.

Shojin near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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. Add ons include garlic, ginger, kale, extra noodles, shitake mushrooms, and extra chile oil. 

Rakkan Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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

In 2011, Rakkan Ramen began as a tiny, four seated ramen bar in Tokyo. In 2017, with a passion for the world to taste their authentic Japanese Ramen, they opened their first overseas location in Los Angeles. Rakkan Ramen’s 100 percent plant-based broth is made with Dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock full of umami, bringing out the best in each ingredient. They slowly simmer the carefully chosen vegetables and kombu (kelp) 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 the existence of another level of pleasure for your palate. 

Daikokuya Little Tokyo near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DTLA Ramen 

Photo #2: Japan House

Photo #3: DTLA Ramen

Photo #4: Ramen Hood

Photo #5: Ochoron Ramen

Photo #6: 9th St Ramen

Photo #7: AFURI Ramen LA

Photo #8: JINYA Ramen Bar

Photo #9: Shojin

Photo #10: Rakkan Ramen

Photo #11: Daikokuya Little Tokyo

LA’s Best Exhibitions & Immersive Experiences

Great news for art lovers. Some of LA’s most coveted exhibitions, like Kusama Infinity Rooms at The Broad and Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, have reopened to the public at last. You’ll also discover must-see shows as richly diverse as our city itself, such as The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi Stadium, Garden of Words calligraphy exhibition at The Huntington, and a gallery showcasing Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology at Japan House. If you’re looking to get your culture on, you’ll find plenty of inspiration near Circa. Check websites for health protocols and reservations.

Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free The Canvas @L.A. Live 944 Georgia St. Los Angeles CA  90015

Have you visited the Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free exhibit yet? This immersive and thought-provoking experience explores the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur. You can catch it right across the street from Circa at The Canvas. Created in collaboration with the Shakur Estate, this exhibit leverages technology, contemporary art, and never before seen artifacts from Tupac’s personal archives, and delves into the greater meaning of his activism, music, and revolutionary art. 

Kusama The Souls of Millions exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Kusama Infinity Rooms The Broad  221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Two of Yayoi Kusama’s groundbreaking Infinity Mirror Rooms have reopened to the public. Kusama’s Longing for Eternity (2017) is currently on view. Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013) is open with reservations required in advance. Born and raised in Japan, Yayoi Kusama has consistently created artwork about repetition and the concept of infinity. In 1965, Kusama produced her first Infinity Mirror Room, creating the illusion of infinite space using mirrors. Since then, Kusama has made more than twenty unique rooms. Book your tickets HERE

Banksy: Genius or Vandal? exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Banksy: Genius or Vandal? 10113 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232

In case you missed it the first time around, Banksy is back at an iconic location in Culver City. The exhibition includes over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the now classics Girl with Balloon, similar to the one destroyed by the artist at the auctioneer Sotheby’s in London. For the very first time, the public will be able to discover the works of Banksy in their natural habitat, thanks to an impressive multimedia installation. In addition, enjoy at the end of the exhibition a virtual reality experience through the artist’s career, created especially for this event.

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience 1345 N. Montebello Blvd. Montebello, CA 90640

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience is a 20,000 square foot light and sound spectacular featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works. Encounter the brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists in 360 degrees. The exhibition features a one of kind Virtual Reality component, which guides you on a ten-minute journey through “A day in the life of the Artist.” Walk alongside Monet during this peaceful, visually rich journey to discover the inspiration behind eight of his iconic works.

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037

The California Science Center proudly presents the world premiere of Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia – an international touring exhibition featuring over 120 ancient artifacts, half of which are on tour for the first time. Journey back 900 years to discover engineering and cultural marvels and daily life in the Khmer empire. Visit the exhibition and see the immersive IMAX movie Angkor 3D – a visually stunning IMAX adventure where science and mystery intersect on a 7-story screen. 

Jane Goodall exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Explore a hands-on, transportive, multimedia exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall. As an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself by observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotion – a notion now considered revolutionary. Today, in her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world, she inspires us all. 

Pipilotti Rist Geffen Contemporary at MOCA exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Pipilotti Rist Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor is the first West Coast survey of the internationally renowned Swiss media artist. Rist’s installations explore relationships of video and the body; exterior environments and interior psychological landscapes; and reason and instinct, and exuberantly probe the video medium’s capaciousness – for vivid color; sweeping views and extreme close-ups; introspection and cultural critique; and, importantly, the creation of shared experiences within the museum public space. 

GRAMMY Museum exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom GRAMMY Museum 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom examines the role music has played in informing and inspiring social consciousness throughout American history. Charting a path from spirituals sung by enslaved people in America and the songs and sounds of the American Revolution, to the mass movement of music and art that helped to stir action during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, to the continued fight for racial justice in America today, the exhibit spans time and genre to tell the stories of music’s role as a source of inspiration and education.

Garden of Words exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Garden of Words Part 2 The Huntington1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Celebrating the recent opening of the final phase of its Chinese Garden, The Huntington presents an exhibition of contemporary Chinese calligraphy as the inaugural installation in the garden’s new art gallery, the Studio for Lodging the Mind. The exhibition is designed to illuminate the art form and foster deeper appreciation of its expressive qualities. The works on view comprise the original calligraphic scrolls that served as the models for inscriptions throughout the garden. To complement the show, a series of calligraphy demonstrations by featured artists will be offered inside an adjacent structure known as the Flowery Brush Library.

Japan House exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Japan House 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

From manga to modern architecture, prototyping to paper culture, the Gallery at Japan House is dedicated to highlighting the best of Japanese culture. Minimal, refined, and intricate, these creators embrace Japanese aesthetics through a myriad of mediums including art, fashion, gastronomy, technology, textiles, and literature. An innovative project of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan House seeks to foster awareness and appreciation for Japan around the world by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more. 

The Kinsey Collection exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Kinsey Collection SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr. Inglewood, CA 90301

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection is the inspired work of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, and their son Khalil, and considered one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Beginning over 50 years ago, the Kinsey’s have been on a journey of collecting fine art and primary source historical objects that document the African American experience and illuminate the untold stories of Black Excellence throughout U.S. history. Curated by Khalil Kinsey and historian Larry Earl, the exhibition focuses on the lives, accomplishments, and brilliance of African Americans from the 16th century through the years of slavery and emancipation to the civil rights movement through modern day.

Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Immersive Frida Kahlo Lighthouse Artspace 6400 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Explore the world through the eyes of the legendary Frida Kahlo – a brilliant, uncompromising painter who created some of the history’s most iconic artwork. As you stroll through the Lighthouse Immersive gallery, you will see the Mexico-born artist’s work come to life on a grand scale and discover the people, events, and obstacles that made her the extraordinary woman she was. The mesmerizing, large-scale projections, accompanied by a ravishing musical score, will sweep you up as you encounter Frida as never before. Frida Kahlo’s art is not only beautiful on an aesthetic level; it has also become a universal symbol of resilience and perseverance.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Broad

Photo #2: Tupac Shakur Wake Me When I’m Free

Photo #3: The Broad

Photo #4: Exhibition Banksy: Genius or Vandal?

Photo #5: Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience

Photo #6: California Science Center

Photo #7: Natural History Museum

Photo #8: Geffen Contemporary at MOCA

Photo #9: GRAMMY Museum

Photo #10: The Huntington 

Photo #11: Japan House

Photo #12: The Kinsey Collection

Photo #13:  Immersive Frida Kahlo

Love is in the Air: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in DTLA

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day. And your favorite DTLA restaurants and local businesses are pulling out the hearts and flowers for a little romance this weekend. From Modern American cuisine to French savoir faire, many top eateries are offering chef-driven Valentine’s Day dinners à deux. We also found some unique ways to celebrate, such as high tea at The Huntington, wine tasting at LA’s oldest winery, and even a Happy Hour pottery making class. Whatever your relationship goals, you’ll find a cupid’s quiver full of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you live at Circa. Check websites for hours, reservations, health guidelines, pick up and delivery details.

Circa Bouquets

Our Circa community is blooming because of our wonderful residents. To show our appreciation, we’re handing out complimentary fresh take-home bouquets in the Lobby on Friday, February 11 from 1PM – 3PM. RSVP in your Alfred app.

Redbird Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Valentine’s Day Weekend 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

DTLA favorite Redbird is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday February 13 and Monday February 14. Chef Neal Fraser and team will be serving a celebratory three course prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairings in the Main Dining Room, Garden and Lounge. This year there will also be an additional Tasting Menu in the East Room from Chef Neal, only available on February 14. Menu and reservations HERE 

71Above Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

71Above 633 W. 5th St. 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, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. For Valentine’s Day, 71Above is offering a sumptuous four course dinner with optional wine pairing. See menu HERE

Le Petit Paris Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little French savor faire. Le Petit Paris is offering a 4 course prix fixe menu including a tempting amuse bouche, and choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. Housed inside the historic El Dorado Building, the restaurant is an architectural marvel, featuring multiple skylights, two bars, a mezzanine level, and a large outdoor patio. Valentine’s Day menu HERE

Perch LA Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Perch LA 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration at Perch LA. Perch 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. Executive Chef Gerardo Benitez has created a playful menu inspired by French culinary classics utilizing the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian menu is available as well. Reservations must be made by phone 213-802-1770.

Bottega Louie Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Bottega Louie DTLA is back, and the menu is sweeter than ever, with a specially curated catalog for Valentine’s Day. Choose from luscious macaroon boxes, decadent chocolate covered strawberries, and the ultra-luxurious Valentine’s Day Gift Box, containing chocolate bar library, 6 piece macaron heart box, assorted chocolate truffles, white chocolate pretzels & M de Minuty Rosé. Peruse the catalog HERE

Jean Pascal Florist Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Jean Pascal Florist ROW DTLA1318 E 7th St. M1 Ste. 148 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Jean-Pascal Florist is noted for mixing classic French craftsmanship and modern styling into chic, harmonious, and majestic bouquets, offering luxurious flower arrangements, a curated vase emporium, candles, flower books, curiosities, and seasonal topiaries. To better accommodate the influx of orders during Valentine’s Day, Jean-Pascal has created a special selection HERE

San Antonio Winery Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with some Los Angeles history. Founded in 1917, San Antonio Winery is Los Angeles’ only working winery and has been designated a historical landmark since 1965. Today the winery continues to be a family-owned and operated with four generations of the Riboli Family. Treat your Valentine to a wine tasting or winery tour, and cap it off with dinner at Maddalena Restaurant, named after the family matriarch herself.

Still Life Ceramics Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Valentine’s Day Happy Hour Still Life Ceramics ROW DTLA  767 S Alameda St #198, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Join Still Life Ceramics for a one-hour wheel throwing class and make a heart-shaped bowl during Valentine’s Day weekend. Beginners welcome! Class is held at our studio at ROW DTLA. Please note that a single $60 booking reserves a spot for one person; book two spots if you would like to bring a guest. Still Life Ceramics is a studio and brand in Downtown Los Angeles, making functional ceramic art for your everyday life. Book your reservation HERE

The Huntington Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Valentine’s Day at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Just a short jaunt from THEA, The Huntington is offering a romantic trifecta for Valentine’s Day, including Valentine Tea for Two; Three Centuries of Valentines, an exhibition of more than 12,000 Valentine cards and other memorabilia on love; and a special Valentine’s Day Collection at The Huntington Store. Visitors must have advance admission ticket. Pre-order HERE

Bring Something to the Party Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bring Something to the Party The Bloc 700 West 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

There’s no place like home to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love. Bring Something to the Party is a chic one stop party boutique offering everything you need to create a romantic vibe including scented candles, room & body spray, plants, home decor, gourmet specialities, balloons, greeting cards made by local printers, custom gift wrapping, and more.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: 71Above

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Redbird

Photo #4: 71Above

Photo #5: Le Petit Paris

Photo #6: Perch LA

Photo #7: Bottega Louie

Photo #8: Jean Pascal Florist

Photo #9: San Antonio Winery

Photo #10: Still Life Ceramics

Photo #11: The Huntington

Photo #12: Bring Something to the Party