Cheap Eats

Posted on 05/22/2013 by Whitney

We all know you can find a taco stand on about every corner in Los Angeles and grab some cheap eats. But, want some cheap eats that will really make your mouth water? Check these meals out (they are all $15 or less):

Nana’s Frito Pie at Bar Amá, $13
Grab some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, but don’t forget your eatn’ pants. You’ll want to eat everything, but make sure to get the Frito Pie. This Frito Pie is made with lengua (beef tongue) and served in a heaping cast-iron skillet. It’s hearty Your eatn’ pants will thank you. 118 W 4th St.; 213.687.8002

The 50/50 Burger at Slaters 50/50, $9.95
We all love bacon. It makes everything better. This burger patty is 50% bacon and topped with a fried egg and avocado. You can even add more bacon on top if you want. 61 N Raymond Ave.; 626.765.9700

Taco Sampler at Guisados, $6.99
Tacos are a dime a dozen here, but some blow others out of the water. The six-taco sampler at Guisados is just that! It’s full of slow-braised meat. You may need a buddy to split this large meal. 1261 W Sunset Blvd.; 213.250.7600

The Burrata Pie at Pitfire, $9.95
This classic pie is topped with burrata cheese, wild arugula, caramelized onion, hazelnuts, and a pesto drizzle. It’s got a bit of everything to satisfy all the taste buds in your mouth. 801 N Fairfax; 323.544.6240

Spicy Corn Dogs at The Charleston, $10
Lately the corn dog is making a come back. The mini ones here have a spicy kick, and taste great with one of The Charleston’s signature cocktails. Tell your friends to get their own. Hey, they are only $10! 2460 Wilshire Blvd.; 310.828.2115

Braised Baby Octo at Barnyard, $6
Not only is this dish a beauty, it’s delicious too. Get beach side, order it up, and relax in the sun. 1715 Pacific Ave.; 310.581.1015

The Salmon Crudo at Fig & Olive, $13
Not all amazing dishes have to be heavy and pant busting. Grab this light crudo. This dish appears simple, but the quality and flavor of the oil (which Fig & Olive is known for) along with the sprinkle of crispy fish skins will have you happy and sophisticated at the same time. 8490 Melrose Pl., 310.360.9100

Chicken & Waffle Croquettes at Street, $10
Drench this amazing combo in maple syrup. This croquette interpretation of the staple Los Angeles dish will leave you with sticky fingers, but a belly full of happiness. 742 N Highland Ave.; 323.203.0500

Chubby Pork Belly Bowl at Chego, $8
Perfection is pork belly and a fried egg in the same bowl. This spot has savory, sweet, pickled, and something called “kochujang-lacquered kurobuta”, all wrapped up in one dish. Chego is BYOB, but if you bring your receipt from the liquor store next door you’ll receive 5% off of your drink of choice. 3300 Overland Ave.; 323.380.8680

Crispy Duck Egg at Cliffs Edge, $10
Anything is good fried. This dish amps it up with a deep-fried duck egg topped with pickled mushrooms and soy-braised bacon. This is an egg unlike any other. 3626 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.666.6116

Fried Oyster Poutine at The Parish, $15
Perfect for summer, get your hands on fried oysters and french fries. Oh, and drench them in pork gravy and a creamy gribiche sauce. This Parish staple is a hit among anyone who orders it. 840 S Spring St.; 213.225.2400

Tonkotsu Original Ramen at Jinya Ramen Bar, $8.55
Soup cures all. (Trust me, matzo ball soup runs through my veins). This massive serving of ramen will not only cure your day’s ailments, but it may give you super powers. (ok, maybe not, but it’s that good). Get it with the seasoned egg for an extra buck! 2208 Sawtelle Blvd.; 310.481.0977

Dinner Special #3 at India Sweets & Spices, $6.99
This plate might not be the prettiest, but it’s great for belly filling. Take it to go, or grab a seat inside and watch the Bollywood movie of the day. The special includes two sides, a samosa, naan bread, and a mango drink. 3126 Los Feliz Blvd.; 323.345.0360

Wasabi Poke at Poke-Poke, $7
This unassuming surf side alley has traditional fresh ahi tuna on top of rice in a variety of seasonings (try the wasabi zing). Adding seaweed or avocado is a must to complete. Then grab a seat on the boardwalk to take in Venice Beach. 1827 Ocean Front Walk; 424.228.5132

Anticucho Black Cod at Picca, $15
Order up these mini munchies on sticks that are full flavor. This cod skewer is perfect with miso anticucho and served with crispy sweet potato. The dish is as good as it is artistic. 9575 W. Pico Blvd.; 310.277.0133

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Los Angeles Hotel Pool Cheat Sheet

Posted on 05/22/2013 by Whitney

Screen shot 2013-05-20 at 9.03.49 AMAltitude at SLS
Normally reserved for hotel guests, everyone can now snag a spot poolside at Altitude, on the sixth floor of the SLS Hotel. Dine on a weekday breakfast and lunch menu by Culinary Director José Andrés while enjoying the views from Beverly Hills to the Hollywood Hills. Fare favorites includes the Croissantini (pressed croissant sandwich with eggs, chicken sausage and herbed cream cheese); Beverly Hills ‘Bikini’ grilled cheese with mozzarella, sharp cheddar and truffles; and the SLS Seafood Bowl with king crab, lobster, sea urchin, shrimp, scallops and oysters. Cabana resys are available Saturdays & Sundays, 2-6 pm; 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310.246.5552.

The Annenberg Community Beach House
A mile and a half north of Santa Monica’s pier, is this swanky private estate-turned-public beach house. It has an exclusive beach-club feel without actually being exclusive. The Annenberg Community Beach House is a great pick for budget-minded beach-goers. 415 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310.458.4904

The London
Now through Labor Day, celebrate summer at the London West Hollywood’s rooftop pool deck. Enjoy 360-degree views of Los Angeles, free cocktails (for the first hour), gourmet bites and a DJ spinning tunes. Wednesdays through Labor Day; 6-10 pm; resys recommended: 310.358.7766; 1020 North San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood

The W Hollywood
Drai’s Hollywood located 12 floors above the W Hotel in Hollywood throws its weekly Sunday Dayclub pool party. Sip cocktails and hear new DJs every week with this Vegas party experience. RSVP: info@drais.net; W Hotel Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 213.400.3133

The W Westwood
Show Me the Movies kicks off the week every Monday with new releases and cult classics. Wellness Weekends offers pool-side fitness classes by celebrity trainers on Saturdays (Kit Rich) and Yoga on Sundays (Tiffany Russo). The hour-long classes feature a soundtrack curated by The Ladies of Table Manners and Lucy activewear provides yoga mats. Classes end with a mimosa on the house, and 20% off brunch that day. Sundays also offer the W’s WET Pool Party where you can lounge poolside starting at noon, sip cocktails and get some sun. If you’re hungry head to the Backyard BBQ at the W’s backyard and dine on classic BBQ with a twist by Executive Chef Dakota Weiss. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.208.8765

Tropicana Pool Bar
This lil oasis in the heart of Hollywood has VIP seating and roaring fireplaces (you know for the chilly LA nights). Known for their pool parties, Tropicana Pool “Swim” Hours are from 7 am-7 pm and Tropicana Pool Bar opens from 10 am-2 am with poolside dining until 10 pm. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90028323.466.7000

The Pool At Sunset Tower
Enjoy a light breeze, sun and a full day of doing nothing. The Sunset Strip is your backdrop while you sip on your cucumber martinis and relax. Day passes: $75; 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 323.654.7100

Yacht Club at Mr. C Beverly Hills
Passed this tight door, you’ll find DJs, pitchers of Bellinis, couches in the sun, eggs benedict and more of a party scene than a relaxing afternoon. Sundays, June 2-September 8, noon-5 pm; 1224 Beverwil Dr.; 310.277.2800; cabana reservations here

The Standard Hollywood
This is where you will see lots of skin on the Sunset Boulevard. The sceney spot has good DJs, gratis Jell-O shots, and organic Bloody Marys. Saturday & Sunday, 1-7 pm; 8300 Sunset Blvd.; table reservations: 323.822.3131

The Mondrian
While not a particularly large pool, they do have an ottoman large enough to seat 40. Sip on some cocktails (they have a large list) during a lazy afternoon in the middle of the Sunset strip. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Sunset Marquis
This courtyard pool doesn’t attract an overwhelming crowd, which can be nice. The hotel restaurant just around the corner makes some incredible food and serves a yummy Sunday brunch. 1200 Alta Loma Rd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.657.1333

ION Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Sitting four stories up in the middle of downtown, grab a cocktail and take in a different view (no more Sunset Strip here). JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8600

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For the Record: Zemeckis

Posted on 05/22/2013 by Whitney

ZemeckisRockwell: Table & Stage presents For The Record: Zemeckis beginning May 23 and officially opens Friday, May 31. Created by Shane Scheel, Christopher Lloyd Bratten and Anderson Davis, this latest installment of the “For The Record” series will highlight the work of the Academy Award winning director whose interest in state-of-the-art special effects has lead to the creation of some of the most memorable films of all time. Music and moments in the live, music concert will include Zemeckis films like Back To The Future, Forrest Gump, Death Becomes Her, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cast Away, Flight and more.

FTR Zemeckis Drink SpecialsThe singers and actors perform throughout the space, bringing the show tableside, where you can also take advantage of the delicious cuisine and inventive cocktails available for purchase.

Tickets: $40 Reserved / $20 General Partial View; Thursday – Sunday at 8:30 pm and will run through Saturday, July 20; 323.661.6163 (ext 20)

Seating is fixed. You will be assigned a seat but can adjust it when purchasing tickets online. Doors open 90 minutes prior to the show. It’s an intimate venue with close seating quarters, and tries to accommodate as many patrons as possible. Be prepared to make new friends.

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The Belmont

Posted on 05/22/2013 by Whitney

Long time La Cienega staple, The Belmont (747 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069) has a new style and a change in management. Current partners Ray Garcia (The Little Bear, Blue Dog Tavern) and Dylan Leong (Sunset Trocadero) overhauled the bar sports to an updated sleek and modern aesthetic with new tables, chairs, lighting, DJ booth, and a reworked bar by designer Derek Kistner of Ink & Wood. Out on the popular patio is a new awning, banquettes, and patio furniture.

Chef Shad Davis (The Counter, Federal Bar), original Belmont chef from 10 years ago, is back to consult on a new share plate menu. There’s also a craft cocktail list and rotating crafts beers.

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Aventine & Vino California

Posted on 05/21/2013 by Whitney

I was lucky enough to attend Vino California wine pairing dinner at the new Aventine Hollywood Trattoria. Approximately 60+ diners gathered on the beautiful outdoor patio for an impressive al fresco dining experience as part of the wine dinner pairing series during the Vino California 2013 Italian wine festival. Featuring amazing food from Chef Adolfo Veronese, the menu—created exclusively for Vino California—showcased food and wine pairings that highlight the distinct flavors and varietals of southern Italy.

The wine was amazing and the food was delicious. Both came together for a meal that was hard to beat. My favorite dishes were the Crudo, which was probably one of my favorite dishes I have had in the past few months. It had ahi tuna tartar with basil and pine nuts, sweet shrimp, and marinated baby octopus with yellow frisee, lemon vinaigrette. The Pesce Spada made from grilled Hawaiian swordfish, eggplant caponata, caper berried, oregano white wine sauce and the Scottaditi, grilled lamb chops, kumquat confit, fingerling potato chips with a balsamic mint reduction were other favorites too.

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Blue Cow Kitchen Happy Hour

Posted on 05/21/2013 by Whitney

270913_352136464857261_402186192_nBlue Cow Kitchen, (350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles; 213.621.2249) has rolled out happy hour on weekdays 2:30-6:30 pm (drinks); 4:30-6:30 pm (food). A two-sided menu begins with $5 well cocktails with a choice of mixer, along with $5 beers (Eagle Rock Manifesto Wit), and $6 wines (3 to choose from). Food is a selection of appetizers and mini versions of favorite sandwiches, including pink eggs & ham, pork belly bánh mì sliders, and Pitman Farm’s duck wings.

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Ivory Mason

Posted on 05/21/2013 by Whitney

I first came across Ivory Mason at the Silicon Beach Ivory Mason Pop Up Shop event at Sfixio in Beverly Hills. I quickly fell in love with their retro take on eye glass frames and sunglasses. I couldn’t decide which frames were my favorite. Everyone was having a blast trying on all different types of looks. (And I always get complements on mine when I wear them).

Ivory Mason began with a philosophy, that you should be able to express your true self, unaffected by norms, structure, or authority. They captured that spirit and made glasses that make you feel like part of an elite underground society whose members are unique in expression, style, and who are hungry to experience life.

Ivory Mason has grown to be an influential retailers of glasses, that have avant-garde and unique designs. Made of the highest quality materials, you can be confident that you will be wearing frames for as long as people believe in that free spirited philosophy.

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Loteria Grill has Tequila Ocho Tastings

Posted on 05/21/2013 by Whitney

Galleta de Chicharrón de Queso con Camarón al Morita; courtesy Loteria Grill

Galleta de Chicharrón de Queso con Camarón al Morita; courtesy Loteria Grill

Executive Chef Jimmy Shaw of Lotería Grill welcomes Tequila Ocho Founder Tomas Estes for exclusive tastings alongside signature appetizers. Get educated on the brand’s unique, single-estate, and vintage approach to the spirit. Loteria Grill’s  appetizers include: Galleta de Chicharrón de Queso con Camarones al Morita; Flautitas de Cochinita Pibil y Papa servidos con Guacamole; Sopecitos de Pollo en Mole Poblano; Mini Quesadillas de Plaza de Queso con Rajas de Chile Poblano; and Mini Tacos de Carne Arrachera.

Wednesday, May 22, 5:30-7 pm at Lotería Grill Santa Monica, 1251 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.393.2700

Thursday, May 23, 8-9:30 pm at Lotería Grill Studio City, 12050 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604; 818.508.5300

Friday, May 24, 5:30-7 pm at Lotería Grill Hollywood, 6627 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.465.2500

$35/person, excluding tax and gratuity

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Electric Run 5k

Posted on 05/20/2013 by Whitney

losangelesGet your exercise on at the Electric Run 5k this weekend, an EDM-themed race with musical tracks from artists like Deadmau5 getting you pumped. $50 (Teams of 4+); $55 (Individuals); Friday, 8:20 -11 pm; Home Depot Center, 18400 S Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90746; register here.

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Fusion Fest

Posted on 05/20/2013 by Whitney

image003On Wednesday, May 22nd, exhale mind body spa will celebrate 10 years of their Core Fusion program through Fusion Fest! They have partnered with Women’s Health and will celebrate the milestone through an entire day of complimentary Core Fusion classes, mini-spa therapies, goodie bags, trunk shows, light bites & cocktails, etc. Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and greet with the top 5 finalists from Women’s Health’s ‘The Next Fitness Star’ contest.

A few event highlights include: Hair braids, chalking and gold-leafing by ArtLab Salon; Mini-manicures and mini-massages; Look Inside yoga bags and Strut-This trunk show.

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